Multiple Imaging Mode Tissue Marker - An intracorporeal marker for marking a site within living tissue of a host having a body of porous hydroxyapatite whose physical properties permit the body to be distinguished from human soft tissue under visualization using ultrasonic and radiation imaging modalities.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ROBOTIC MEDICAL SYSTEM INTEGRATION WITH EXTERNAL IMAGING - A medical robotic system and method of operating such comprises taking intraoperative external image data of a patient anatomy, and using that image data to generate a modeling adjustment for a control system of the medical robotic system (e.g., updating anatomic model and/or refining instrument registration), and/or adjust a procedure control aspect (e.g., regulating substance or therapy delivery, improving targeting, and/or tracking performance).

11-20-2014

20140249409

Lead Electrode Marking System and Method for Deployment - A lead includes a lead body having at least two electrodes and a lead marker. The lead marker corresponds to a size and spacing of each of the at least two electrodes. The spacing between the electrodes and lead marker corresponds to an operative length of a first lead introducer configured to be used with the lead. Lead systems that include one or more lead introducers and kits including the same are also disclosed.

09-04-2014

20090259125

Bioabsorbable Marker Having Radiopaque Constituents And Method of Using the Same - A temporary bioabsorbable-radiopaque marker for use on an implantable endoprosthesis. The bioabsorbable-radiopaque marker is adapted to be disposed on or adjacent an implantable endoprosthesis in a body lumen for a predetermined amount of time until the bioabsorbable and radiopaque materials are absorbed or dispersed in the body.

10-15-2009

20130060133

NON-INVASIVE SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING FRACTIONAL FLOW RESERVE - Non-invasive systems and methods for determining fractional flow reserve. At least one method of determining fractional flow reserve within a luminal organ of the present disclosure comprising the steps of positioning a monitoring device external to a luminal organ and near a stenosis, the monitoring device capable of determining at least one characteristic of the stenosis, operating the monitoring device to determine the at least one characteristic of the stenosis, and determining fractional flow reserve at or near the stenosis based upon the at least one characteristic determined by the monitoring device.

03-07-2013

20130060132

AUTOMATIC DETECTION OF CONTRAST INJECTION - A method for automatically detecting the presence of a contrast agent in an x-ray image includes acquiring a preliminary x-ray image. A background image is estimated. The contrast agent is administered. A plurality of image frames is acquired. The background image is subtracted from each image frame. An image having a highest image intensity is selected. A predefined shape model is fitted to the selected image using a semi-global optimization strategy. The fitting of the shape model is used to fit the shape model to each of the subtracted images. A feature value is calculated for each image frame based on pixel intensities of each pixel fitted to the shape model for the corresponding subtracted image. An image frame of peak contrast is determined by selecting the image frame with the greatest feature value.

03-07-2013

20150105658

ULTRASONIC IMAGING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - Disclosed herein are an ultrasonic imaging apparatus for enhancing target therapy, and a control method thereof. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes: an inputter configured to receive a command for setting, in a first ultrasound image, a target area of an object to which target therapy is to be applied, the first ultrasound image showing a lesion to which ultrasound contrast agents including therapeutic agents have been bound within the object; and an image processor configured to compare the first ultrasound image to a second ultrasound image acquired after ultrasonic waves have been irradiated to a target part corresponding to the target area, and to detect at least one of an area into which the therapeutic agents have been delivered and an amount of the therapeutic agents delivered into the area.

Methods of Identifying Venous Outflow Obstruction Sites in Multiple Sclerosis, Deep Vein Thrombosis, and Pulmonary Embolism Patients and Associated Devices and Systems - Methods and devices are disclosed that, in various embodiments and permutations and combinations of inventions, diagnose and treat Multiple Sclerosis, Deep Vein Thrombosis, and/or Pulmonary Embolism or symptoms associated with these maladies. In one series of embodiments, the invention consists of methods and devices for identifying patients whose Multiple Sclerosis, Deep Vein Thrombosis, and/or Pulmonary Embolism or associated symptoms are caused or exacerbated, at least in part, by blockages of one or more of the patient's veins. In some instances, stenoses or other flow limiting structures or lesions in the patient's affected veins are identified. Further, in some instances the nature of such lesions and whether there is a significant disruption of blood pressure, or both, is ascertained. In some embodiments, methods and devices for applying one or more therapies to the blockages in the patient's veins are provided.

08-30-2012

20090105584

FIDUCIAL MARKER DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM USING SINGLE STICK NEEEDLE AND METHOD OF USE - A fiducial marker deployment system for deploying fiducial makers in targeted tissue of a living being is provided. The system includes an elongated needle, a first fiducial marker, an elongated stylet, a cartridge, and a second fiducial marker. The stylet is preloaded in the needle along with the first fiducial marker and is used to eject the first fiducial from the needle. The cartridge, which is preloaded with the second fiducial marker, can then be coupled to the needle so that the stylet can be reused to deploy the second fiducial marker, without requiring a second needle stick.

04-23-2009

20090299176

MARKER FOR POSITION DETERMINATION WITH A MAGNETIC METHOD - The invention relates to an arrangement and a method for determining the spatial distribution of magnetic particles in an examination area. Magnetic field means are used to generate a spatially inhomogeneous gradient magnetic field with at least one region with a low field strength, in which the magnetization of the particles is in a state of non-saturation, whereas they are in a state of saturation in the remaining region. By using change means to shift the area with a low field strength within the examination area, a change in the magnetization of the magnetic particles is brought about which can be detected from outside by detection means and contains information about the spatial distribution of the magnetic particles in the examination area The magnetic field means or the change means or the detection means or a combination of these means are arranged at least partially on a medical instrument.

12-03-2009

20130281845

LIGHT EMITTING DIODE ENDOSCOPIC DEVICES FOR VISUALIZATION OF DISEASED TISSUE IN HUMANS AND ANIMALS - Endoscopic devices and methods for imaging and treating organs and tissues are described. The endoscopic devices described herein include flexible endoscopes, rigid endoscopes, and capsule endoscopes. The endoscopic device may comprise one or more cameras and one or more light sources. In some embodiments, the endoscopic device comprises at least one white light camera, at least one blue light camera, at least one white light source, and at least one blue light source. In some embodiments, fluorescent targeting constructs can be injected into the subject and bound to and/or taken up by a tumor or diseased tissue. Diseased tissue can be identified by viewing the fluorescence emanating from the fluorescent targeting constructs by illuminating an in vivo body part of the subject with light having at least one excitation wavelength in the range from 400 nm to about 510 nm.

10-24-2013

20100004533

FLUID INJECTOR SYSTEM - Fluid injector systems used for a variety of imaging and injection procedures are disclosed. The systems may include separate modules or assemblies that may be located in different rooms of a hospital or imaging facility. Various single use and multiple use components may also be used with the modules or assemblies of the system. In addition, the injector system may include hydraulic and/or pneumatic fluid sources to power the system modules of the present invention.

01-07-2010

20140343415

Diagnosis of Swallowing Disorders Using High Resolution Manometry - Parameters extracted from high definition manometric measurements of the pharynx and upper esophagus at preidentified locations and times are applied to a supervised learning machine trained using x-ray fluoroscopy data to provide diagnostic information comparable to that of x-ray fluoroscopy without radiation exposure.

DEVICE FOR DETERMINING METASTASIS OF CANCER TO SENTINEL LYMPH NODE - Provided is a device capable of determining whether or not cancer has metastasized to a sentinel lymph node, such as the axillary lymph node, thickly covered with fat, safely and in a simple manner without confirmation by biopsy or extirpation. Fluorescence generated in a sentinel lymph node upon the excitation of protoporphyrin (a photosensitizing substance) derived from 5-ALA administered to a subject can be detected by passing a hollow tube, into which a small-diameter optical fiber for launching light and the small-diameter optical fiber for receiving light are inserted, through the lymph vessel to identify the presence or absence of the metastasis of cancer cells even before the surgery of cancer or during prognosis.

CAVITY-FILLING BIOPSY SITE MARKERS - The invention provides materials, devices and methods for marking biopsy sites for a limited time. The biopsy-marking materials are ultrasound-detectable bio-resorbable powders, with powder particles typically between about 20 microns and about 800 microns in maximum dimension, more preferably between about 300 microns and about 500 microns. The powders may be formed of polymeric materials containing cavities sized between about 10 microns and about 500 microns, and may also contain binding agents, anesthetic agents, hemostatic agents, and radiopaque markers. Devices for delivering the powders include tubes configured to contain the powders and to fit within a biopsy cannula, the powders being ejected by action of a syringe. Systems may include a tube containing powder, and a syringe containing sterile saline. The tube may be configured to fit within a biopsy cannula such as a Mammotome® or SenoCor 360™ cannula.

12-23-2010

20100106014

APPARATUS FOR THE SPATIAL LOCALIZATION OF A MOVEABLE BODY PART - An apparatus for the spatial localization of a moveable body part, in which the body part is situated inside a movement volume on the surface extending as far as to the inside of a living being. The apparatus includes: at least one optical recording apparatus outside the being, at least one meterable fluorophore which can be introduced in the region of the body part, an extrinsic radiation source which is arranged outside the being and from which radiation propagates in the direction of the movement volume, by way of which spectral excitation of the fluorophore takes place in that a wave emitted by the fluorophore is produced and can be determined at least at a wavelength which can be measured by the optical recording apparatus, the optical recording apparatus has at least one optical axis which can be oriented in the direction of the body part and the movement volume thereof, the optical recording apparatus has at least one optoelectric transducer which is perpendicular to the optical axis and outputs an output signal from which a distance between the fluorophore and a reference point can be determined.

04-29-2010

20100106013

FLUORESCENCE OBSERVATION DEVICE FOR ORGANISM TISSUE - The concentration distribution of a fluorescence dye capable of selectively staining normal tissue and abnormal tissue is accurately observed by eliminating the unevenness due to irregular distance from the distal end of an endoscope to an organism surface or the surface roughness of the organism. There is provided a fluorescence observation device for organism tissue comprising: an excitation light optical system for irradiating an organism tissue adhered or infiltrated with a first fluorescence dye whose stainability is different between normal tissue and abnormal tissue in the organism tissue, and a second fluorescence dye whose fluorescence wavelength or absorption wavelength is different from that of the first fluorescence dye and whose stainability is nonselective between normal tissue and abnormal tissue in the organism tissue, with excitation light which excites the first fluorescence dye and the second fluorescence dye, either simultaneously or in a time sharing manner; a fluorescence detecting section for separately detecting fluorescence from the first fluorescence dye and fluorescence from the second fluorescence dye excited by the excitation light from the excitation light optical system; a compensation processing section for compensating the fluorescence information from the first fluorescence dye, based on the fluorescence information from the second fluorescence dye detected by the fluorescence detecting section; and a display section for displaying the fluorescence information compensated by the compensation processing section.

04-29-2010

20130053690

Method and Apparatus for Performing Intra-Operative Angiography - Method for assessing the patency of a patient's blood vessel, advantageously during or after treatment of that vessel by an invasive procedure, comprising administering a fluorescent dye to the patient; obtaining at least one angiographic image of the vessel portion; and evaluating the at least one angiographic image to assess the patency of the vessel portion. Other related methods are contemplated, including methods for assessing perfusion in selected body tissue, methods for evaluating the potential of vessels for use in creation of AV fistulas, methods for determining the diameter of a vessel, and methods for locating a vessel located below the surface of a tissue.

02-28-2013

20140343417

METHOD FOR PUNCTURING THE PERICARDIAL MEMBRANE BY SYNCHRONIZING NEEDLE ADVANCEMENT WITH CARDIAC MUSCLE MOTION - A method for puncturing a pericardial membrane of a human patient, the method comprising inserting a needle into the chest of the human patient, detecting a phase of a mechanical activity of the heart of the human patient, advancing the needle toward the heart of the human patient in synchronization with the detected phase of the mechanical activity of the heart of the human patient, and repeating the detecting and advancing steps until the pericardial membrane of the human patient is punctured.

11-20-2014

20090306500

WORKFLOW FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE HEART TREATMENT - A system and method of treating a patient is described, where an implantable device is introduced into the patient and guided to an appropriate location using a 2-dimentsional X ray taken prior to the introduction of the device, and a fluoroscopic image taken from the same aspect during the procedure, and using the same portion of a physiological cycle. The implantable device may be a percutaneous aortic heart valve (PHV), and the location of the device may be determined with respect to specific bodily structures identified in the 2-dimensional X-ray, such as the aortic valve and the coronary ostia. The installation position of the device is selected so as to avoid obstruction of the coronary ostia.

12-10-2009

20090270725

Devices Useful In Imaging - Biopsy devices and methods useful with Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Breast Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI) are disclosed. A biopsy device including a flexible tube having a side aperture, and a PET or BSGI imageable material disposed within the flexible tube is disclosed. A biopsy method is disclosed that includes advancing a flexible tube having a PET or BSGI imageable material distally through the biopsy device. Various other embodiments and applications are disclosed.

10-29-2009

20110015522

QUANTIFICATION ANALYSIS OF IMMOBILIZED CONTRAST AGENT IN MEDICAL IMAGING APPLICATIONS - An embodiment of a solution is proposed for analyzing a body part of a patient, which is perfused with a contrast agent capable of circulating within the patient and of being substantially immobilized on a biological target. An embodiment of a corresponding system includes means for providing an echo signal indicative of a response over time to an interrogation signal of the body part, means for associating the echo signal with a model function of time modeling an evolution over time of the contrast agent in the body part, the model function including a combination of a circulation function modeling the circulation of the contrast agent and a decay function modeling a decay of the echo signal from the immobilized contrast agent, and means for estimating at least one kinetics indicator of the contrast agent from the model function.

01-20-2011

20120190978

SYSTEM FOR CORRELATING ENERGY FIELD CHARACTERISTICS WITH TARGET PARTICLE CHARACTERISTICS IN THE APPLICATION OF THE ENERGY FIELD TO A LIVING ORGANISM FOR DETECTION OF INVASIVE AGENTS - The Energy Field and Target Correlation System automatically correlates the characteristics of target particles and a living organism to compute the characteristics of an energy field that is applied to a living organism to activate the target particles which are bound to or consumed or taken up by invasive agents in the living organism to produce detectable effects which can be used to diagnose the presence and locus of the invasive agents. The energy field must be crafted to properly control the response and localize the extent of the illumination. The System automatically selects a set of energy field characteristics, including: field type, frequency, field strength, duration, field modulation, repetition frequency, beam size, and focal point. The determined energy field characteristics then are used to activate field generators to generate the desired energy field. A multi-dimensional image is produced identifying the spatial extent of the invasive agent.

07-26-2012

20090270726

Methods For Imaging - Biopsy devices and methods useful with Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Breast Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI) are disclosed. A biopsy device including a flexible tube having a side aperture, and a PET or BSGI imageable material disposed within the flexible tube is disclosed. A biopsy method is disclosed that includes advancing a flexible tube having a PET or BSGI imageable material distally through the biopsy device. Various other embodiments and applications are disclosed.

GAMMA PROBE DETECTION OF AMYLOID PLAQUE USING RADIOLABELED A-BETA BINDING COMPOUNDS - The present invention relates to a method of detecting β-amyloid peptide aggregates in the brain of an individual and kits thereto. The method includes administering to an individual an effective amount of an Aβ-binding radiopharmaceutical, waiting a period of time, measuring a gamma radiation count over an external area of the head corresponding to the cortex of the individual using a radiation detection device, and comparing the gamma radiation count with a control gamma radiation count.

12-30-2010

20100331673

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REDUCING PATIENT RISK OF ALLERGIC REACTION TO CONTRAST AGENTS OR MEDICAL MATERIAL - A system and method for improving safety in medical procedures where a substance is introduced into a patient is described. An in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) device may be used to measure the concentration of an analyte representing a marker and compare the measured concentration with a predetermined set point so as to determine whether an adverse reaction to the substance may be anticipated. The test data may be obtained at the point-of-service or retrieved from a patient data base. The device for administering the substance is enabled when the comparison of the test data with the predetermined set point indicates that the procedure is expected to be performed with an acceptable risk of an adverse reaction.

12-30-2010

20090264753

METHOD & SYSTEM FOR MULTI-MODALITY IMAGING OF SEQUENTIALLY OBTAINED PSEUDO-STEADY STATE DATA - Methods, protocols and systems are provided for multi-modality imaging based on pharmacokinetics of an imaging agent. An imaging agent is introduced into a subject, and is permitted to collect generally in a region of interest (ROI) in the subject until attaining a pseudo-steady state (PSS) distribution within the ROI. The imaging agent records a first functional state of the ROI at a given point in time. A first image data set is obtained with a first imaging modality during a first acquisition time interval that occurs prior or proximate in time with the PSS time interval. The subject is transferred from the first imaging modality to a second imaging modality during a transfer time interval that overlaps the PSS time interval. Once transfer is complete, a second image data set is obtained with the second imaging modality during a second acquisition time interval that also overlaps the PSS time interval in which the imaging agent maintains the PSS distribution in the ROI. In accordance with a protocol, the transfer time interval and second acquisition time interval substantially fall within the PSS time interval. The imaging agent collects in the ROI during an uptake time interval which may or may not precede the time interval during which first imaging modality obtains at least a portion of the first image data set. The second image data set is obtained while the imaging agent persists in the ROI at the PSS distribution reflective of the first functional state even after the ROI is no longer in the first functional state.

10-22-2009

20100081928

Histological Facilitation systems and methods - Systems, methods, and other modalities are described for generating or otherwise handling images or other data indicating (a) an extraction of chemically treated tissue frozen in vivo, (b) a treatment of a tissue sample in a chamber extended into tissue of an organism, and/or (c) cells to which an optical enhancement material was applied in vivo. Several contexts in which such indications facilitate histological evaluation are likewise described.

04-01-2010

20100081927

Histological facilitation systems and methods - Systems, methods, and other modalities are described for generating or otherwise handling images or other data indicating (a) an extraction of chemically treated tissue frozen in vivo, (b) a treatment of a tissue sample in a chamber extended into tissue of an organism, and/or (c) cells to which an optical enhancement material was applied in vivo. Several contexts in which such indications facilitate histological evaluation are likewise described.

04-01-2010

20100081924

Histological facilitation systems and methods - Systems, methods, and other modalities are described for generating or otherwise handling images or other data indicating (a) an extraction of chemically treated tissue frozen in vivo, (b) a treatment of a tissue sample in a chamber extended into tissue of an organism, and/or (c) cells to which an optical enhancement material was applied in vivo. Several contexts in which such indications facilitate histological evaluation are likewise described.

04-01-2010

20100121186

Administering a therapeutic agent with more than one taggant - A system may include a means for administering a therapeutic agent to a subject; a means for administering a first pharmaceutically-acceptable taggant to the subject at least substantially concurrent with the therapeutic agent, the first pharmaceutically-acceptable taggant having a pharmacokinetic profile; and a means for administering a second pharmaceutically-acceptable taggant to the subject with the first pharmaceutically-acceptable taggant, the second pharmaceutically-acceptable taggant having a pharmacokinetic profile different from the pharmacokinetic profile of the first pharmaceutically-acceptable taggant.

05-13-2010

20100081923

Histological facilitation systems and methods - Systems, methods, and other modalities are described for generating or otherwise handling images or other data indicating (a) an extraction of chemically treated tissue frozen in vivo, (b) a treatment of a tissue sample in a chamber extended into tissue of an organism, and/or (c) cells to which an optical enhancement material was applied in vivo. Several contexts in which such indications facilitate histological evaluation are likewise described.

04-01-2010

20120116215

DEPLOYMENT OF POLYSACCHARIDE MARKERS FOR TREATING A SITE WITHIN A PATIENT - A method for treating a site within a patient from which tissue has been removed includes providing at least one press-formed marker body formed of polysaccharide and a suitable binder; and placing the at least one of the press-formed marker body within the site where tissue has been removed so as to provide hemostasis therein.

05-10-2012

20090018439

Marker delivery divice with releasable plug - The invention is directed to marker delivery devices and methods of using such devices. The delivery devices embodying features of the invention include a delivery cannula with a discharge opening and a releasable plug disposed in the inner lumen of the delivery cannula so as to at least partially occlude the discharge opening. The releasable plug prevents ingress of tissue, body fluids and the like into the bore of the tube, and prevents the premature discharge of any markers proximal to the releasable plug from passing through the discharge opening before the distal end of the cannula is properly positioned at a desired location within a patient's body. The releasable plug preferably has an MRI detectable element. Preferably, at least one remotely detectable marker mass is provided in the inner lumen of the cannula proximal to the releasable plug.

01-15-2009

20120190979

SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATICALLY AMENDING ENERGY FIELD CHARACTERISTICS IN THE APPLICATION OF AN ENERGY FIELD TO A LIVING ORGANISM FOR TREATMENT OF INVASIVE AGENTS - The Energy Field and Target Correlation System automatically correlates the characteristics of target particles and a living organism to compute the characteristics of an energy field that is applied to a living organism to activate the target particles which are bound to or consumed or taken up by invasive agents in the living organism to produce detectable effects which can be used to treat the invasive agents. The energy field must be crafted to properly control the response and localize the extent of the illumination. The System automatically selects a set of energy field characteristics, including: field type, frequency, field strength, duration, field modulation, repetition frequency, beam size, and focal point. The determined energy field characteristics then are used to activate field generators to generate the desired energy field.

07-26-2012

20090093714

APPARATUS FOR THE PERCUTANEOUS MARKING OF A LESION - A biopsy marking apparatus for placing a radiopaque marker at the location of a percutaneous biopsy. The biopsy marking apparatus comprises an introducer in combination with a radiopaque marker. The introducer ejects the radiopaque marker at the location of the biopsy. The introducer is configured to completely eject the radiopaque marker and prevent it from being subsequently drawn into the introducer as the introducer is removed from the biopsied tissue mass. The radiopaque marker has enhanced radiopaque characteristics and enhanced non-migration characteristics.

04-09-2009

20100234727

MAMMOGRAPHIC APPARATUS - The mammographic apparatus of this invention maintains peripheral portions of the breast area Ma of the sternal plate of a patient M in contact with a sternal plate contact box

09-16-2010

20130324846

DEVICES AND METHODS FOR OPTICAL PATHOLOGY - Currently most cancers, including breast cancers, are removed without any intraoperative margin control. Post-operative methods inspect 1-2% of the surgical margin and are prone to sampling errors. The present invention relates to an optical imaging system that will enable evaluation of the surgical margin in vivo and in real-time. The invention provides for simultaneous fluorescence and fluorescence polarization imaging. The contrast of the acquired images will be enhanced using fluorescent agents approved for diagnostic use in patients. As the staining pattern of fluorescence images is similar to that of histology, and the values of fluorescence polarization are significantly higher in cancerous as compared to normal cells, the invention provides for further improvements in diagnostic methods. The systems and methods can be applied to the intra-operative delineation of cancerous tissue.

12-05-2013

20130324845

DETERMINING A PATIENT-SPECIFIC CONTRAST MEDIUM IMPULSE RESPONSE FUNCTION - A method for determining a patient-specific contrast medium impulse response function includes providing patient-specific test bolus contrast medium behavior data and a number of basic impulse response functions on the basis of a defined test bolus input function. Simulated test bolus contrast medium behavior functions are generated by combining the basic impulse response functions with the test bolus input function. The simulated functions and the patient-specific data are fitted to one another by varying a number of fitting parameters to obtain optimum fitting parameter values, and the patient-specific contrast medium impulse response function is then created based on the basic impulse response functions and the optimum fitting parameter values. A method for predicting a likely contrast medium behavior and a method for controlling a medical imaging system are also described. Additionally a corresponding apparatus, a control device and an imaging system having such a control device are also described.

12-05-2013

20080300483

Chemical Liquid Injection System - A chemical liquid injection system with which a chemical liquid in a chemical liquid container can be directly injected into a patient without using an intervening liquid syringe or the like.

Assembly with hemostatic and radiographically detectable pellets - The remotely imagable pellet system described has a plurality of pellets disposed within a delivery tube or cannula that are formed at least in part of a polysaccharide such as starch and at least one radiographically detectable bioabsorbable pellet which preferably has a radiopaque element. The radiographically detectable bioabsorbable pellet has at least one and preferably two pellets proximal and distal thereto which are formed of polysaccharide.

11-27-2008

20140350395

System for Imaging Lesions Aligning Tissue Surfaces - Methods, compositions and systems are provided for the imaging of cavity/tissue lesions, including without limitation cavity/tissue malignant lesions, e.g. cancers of the skin, mouth, colon, digestive system cervix, bladder, lung, etc.

11-27-2014

20140350396

Assemblies for Identifying a Power Injectable Access Port - A power-injectable access port suitable for injecting contrast media therethrough at a rate of at least 1 milliliter per second. The access port includes a housing, a septum, a reservoir, and an outlet stem in fluid communication with the reservoir. The power-injectable access port is structured for accommodating a pressure developed within the reservoir of at least 35 psi. The septum may include a radiopaque material forming a selected pattern when an x-ray is taken through the septum. The pattern may identify the access port as capable of accommodating injection of contrast media at a rate of at least 1 milliliter per second and/or as capable of accommodating a pressure developed within the reservoir of at least 35 psi. The pattern may identify the location of the septum following implantation of the power-injectable access port.

11-27-2014

20110028834

USE OF ELECTROSPUN MICROTUBES FOR DRUG DELIVERY - Provided is a method of delivering a medicament or a diagnostic agent to a subject in need thereof by (a) introducing a microtube configured to deliver the medicament or the diagnostic agent into the subject, said microtube comprises an electrospun shell and an electrospun coat over an internal surface of said shell, and (b) administering the medicament or the diagnostic agent through said microtube, thereby delivering the medicament or the diagnostic agent to the subject. Also provided are kits for delivering a medicament or a diagnostic agent.

02-03-2011

20120059256

SITE MARKER VISIBLE UNDER MULTIPLE MODALITIES - A site marker is provided that includes a generally hollow body defining a cavity. A deployment line within the site marker positions at least one marker element within the body portion. The deployment line has a first end that is fixedly secured to a first end of the body portion and a second end that is secured to a second end of the body portion. The deployment line is pre-biased so as to pull the first end of the body portion towards the second end of the body portion, and thereby expand the body portion.

03-08-2012

20110282193

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SELECTIVE INTERNAL RADIATION THERAPY PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION - In a method and system for planning and implementing a selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT), the liver volume and the tumor volume are automatically calculated in a processor by analysis of items segmented from images obtained from the patient using one or more imaging modalities, with the administration of contrast agent. In the processor, the volume of therapeutic agent that is necessary to treat the tumor is automatically calculated from the liver volume, the tumor volume, and the body surface area of the patient and the lung shunt percentage for the patient. The segmented tumor, as well as segmented feeder vessels are overlaid on a live fluoroscopic image of the patient during SIRT, to assist in positioning a catheter for administering the therapeutic agent, which is then administered according to the calculated volume. The therapeutic agent can be administered via respective feeder vessels in respectively different amounts that correspond to the percentage of blood supply to the tumor from the respective feeder vessels, this distribution also being automatically calculated by analysis of one or more parenchymal blood volume (PBV) images.

VARIABLE LENGTH CATHETER FOR DRUG DELIVERY - A system and method for localized delivery of a therapeutic or diagnostic agent within a vessel is provided. The system and method provide for adjustability of the length of the treatment area and for reducing of pressure within the treatment area. A catheter system includes an inner elongated element, an outer elongated element positioned coaxially with respect to the inner elongated element, and a blood-release element at a distal end of the inner elongated element. A proximal occlusion element is positioned at the distal end of the outer elongated element, proximal to an outlet port. A distal occlusion element is positioned at a distal end of the inner elongated element. The distal end of the inner elongated element is distal to and movable with respect to the outer elongated element distal end.

INFUSION SYSTEMS INCLUDING COMPUTER-FACILITATED MAINTENANCE AND/OR OPERATION AND METHODS OF USE - Methods for setting up, maintaining and operating a radiopharmaceutical infusion system, that includes a radioisotope generator, are facilitated by a computer of the system. The computer includes pre-programmed instructions and a computer interface, for interaction with a user of the system, for example, in order to track contained volumes of eluant and/or eluate, and/or to track time from completion of an elution performed by the system, and/or to calculate one or more system and/or injection parameters for quality control, and/or to perform purges of the system, and/or to facilitate diagnostic imaging.

07-14-2011

20110301457

ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS, ULTRASONIC IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, AND MEDICAL IMAGE DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS - According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which comprises an ultrasonic transmission/reception unit configured to transmit ultrasonic waves to a scan area including a predetermined region throughout an analysis period, receive reflected waves from the scan area, and acquire ultrasonic data associated with the scan area for each phase in the analysis period, an analysis unit configured to generate a luminance time curve associated with at least one analysis area included in the scan area by using the ultrasonic data in each phase in the analysis period and analyze a stagnant time of the contrast medium associated with at least one analysis area based on the generated luminance time curve, an image generation unit configured to generate a stagnant time image for each phase in the analysis period, with different hues being assigned to at least one analysis area in accordance with the stagnant times.

12-08-2011

20110282194

Method and apparatus of quantitative analysis and data mining of medical imaging agent administration - The present invention focuses on the quantitative data analyses which are derived from the qualitative contrast scorecard data; which is recorded and analyzed through the combined functions (and communication) of the contrast injector and image acquisition (e.g., CT) technologies. This technical data is in turn correlated with the clinical data from the Contrast Scorecard to collectively produce a comprehensive and longitudinal database which tracks all patient, stakeholder, exam, contrast, technology, and institutional data related to the administration of medical imaging contrast agents.

11-17-2011

20100049041

IN VIVO FLOW CYTOMETRY SYSTEM AND METHOD - The present invention provides methods and systems for performing in vivo flow cytometry. In one embodiments, selected circulating cells of interest of a subject are labeled with fluorescent probe molecules. The labeled cells are irradiated in vivo so as to excite the fluorescent probes, and the radiation emitted by the excited probes is detected, preferably confocally. The detected radiation is then analyzed to derive desired information, such as relative cell count, of the cells of interest.

02-25-2010

20110301456

Tissue Marking for Lesion Removal - A preoperative tumor marking may be used to assist physicians in the removal of tumor tissue by clearly defining the margins of the tumor. An imaging technique, such as mammography, may be employed to visualize the tumor. The visualized tumor may be marked with a polymer, either directly or indirectly. The polymer may be liquid at room temperature and harden at body temperature, making the tumor palpable, but not changing the tumor's cellular and physical state. The polymer may also include a coloring agent that may aid in visualizing the lesion. This will assist a surgeon during excision by allowing him/her to both feel and see the tumor and remove enough of the tissue surrounding the tumor to greatly reduce the need for a second surgical procedure due to a failure to remove all tumor tissue during an initial surgery.

12-08-2011

20110288408

DIASTOLIC CORONARY PERFUSION DETECTION FOR TIMED DELIVERY OF THERAPEUTIC AND/OR DIAGNOSTIC AGENTS - During diastolic coronary perfusion, blood perfuses through the heart via the coronary arteries. Delivery of a therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent to the heart during diastolic coronary perfusion allows the therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent to efficiently perfuse through the heart. A medical device according to the invention detects closure of the aortic valve of a heart, and initiates delivery of a therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent upon detection of aortic valve closure. The medical device detects aortic valve closure by processing a signal. Exemplary signals used by the medical device to detect aortic valve closure include left or right ventricular accelerometer signals, left or right ventricular flow signals, left or right ventricular pressure signals, aortic pressure signals, pulse pressure signals, systemic arterial pressure signals, electrogram signals, and phonocardiogram signals

11-24-2011

20100249583

Universal Intraoperative Radiation Detection Probe - A radiation-detecting probe instrument has a forward working portion housing a radiation detector and a rearward user directed portion, and is in communication with a control assembly for processing and outputting signals received from the radiation detector correlative to a located radionuclide source emitting energy above about 80 KeV. The disclosed probe instrument forward portion has an annular housing having a radiation transparent tip. The radiation detector is disposed behind the radiation transparent tip. A K alpha radiation emitting wafer (e.g., Pb) wafer is disposed between the radiation transparent tip and the radiation detector. A radiation resistant (e.g., W) shield is disposed between the annular housing and the radiation detector and the Pb wafer. Radiation emitted from the radionuclide source strikes the Pb wafer causing the Pb wafer to emit K alpha radiation, which strikes the radiation detector for generating signals for communication the said control assembly.

09-30-2010

20100249582

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATIC TRIGGER-ROI DETECTION AND MONITORING DURING BOLUS TRACKING - A method for bolus tracking includes acquiring one or more baseline images. One or more trigger regions are automatically established within the baseline images. A bolus is administered. The automatically established trigger regions are monitored for bolus arrival at the one or more trigger regions. Bolus arrival at a volume of interest is forecasted based on the bolus arrival at the one or more trigger regions. A diagnostic scan of the volume of interest is acquired at the forecasted time.

09-30-2010

20110263975

FLUORESCENT PROBES HAVING A POLYMERIC BACKBONE - The present invention relates to quenched fluorescent probes which arc activated by biochemical processes. The probes are designed such that intramolecular quenching occurs in the unactivated probe, but that the quencher moieties are cleaved from the probe under defined conditions rendering the probe fluorescent. Also disclosed are optical imaging agents suitable for in vivo imaging comprising the probes, as well as pharmaceutical compositions and kits, as well as in vivo imaging methods.

10-27-2011

20120130235

RETROGRADE ENTRY ANTEGRADE PLACEMENT FOR FEMORAL ARTERY ACCESS - A Retrograde Entry Antegrade Placement (REAP) method and apparatus facilitate the antegrade (i.e., in the direction of blood flow) placement of endovascular devices for treatment of lower extremity arterial disease. Initially, a retrograde entry is made into the arterial system of a patient at an entry point with a curved needle, which then exits at an exit point proximal to the entry point, with a first wire then passed through the lumen of the curved needle. From the skin exit point, a Dual-Lumen Access Director (DAD) device is advanced in the antegrade direction down the first wire in a first lumen and enters the CFA

05-24-2012

20080287784

IMAGE DETECTING SYSTEM, IMAGE DETECTING METHOD AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM - There is provided an image detecting system including an image detecting section that detects a moving image of an examination subject into which a radiopaque contrast medium flows through one of an artery and a portal vein, and a change image generating section that generates a change image representing a change in the moving image. Here, the change is caused by movement of the radiopaque contrast medium after a timing at which the radiopaque contrast medium that has flown into one of the artery and the portal vein flows into capillaries.

11-20-2008

20150112194

IMPLANT FOR TARGETING THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURE - An implantable device has a body that is substantially rigid and has a predetermined shape. The body is further bioabsorbable and has a density less than or equal to about 1.03 g/cc. When the device is implanted in a resected cavity in soft tissue, it causes the cavity to conform to the predetermined shape. The implantable device is further imageable due to its density being less than that of soft tissue such that the boundaries of the tissue corresponding to the predetermined shape can be determined.

04-23-2015

20150045664

Diagnostic Marker Compounds And Their Use - The present Invention relates to the monitoring of biological substances, such as non-invasive monitoring of such substances in animal, for examples biomarkers and metabolites. Specifically, the invention further relates to such monitoring using rare earth tagged marker compounds. The invention further relates to such monitoring using laser spectroscopy or Raman spectroscopy. The invention further relates to the use of such monitoring in disease states, such as stroke, neurological disorders and cardiovascular disorders. The invention further relates to novel rare-earth conjugated marker compounds and processes for preparing said rare-earth conjugated compounds

02-12-2015

20140187932

CT IMAGING METHOD AND CT SYSTEM BASED ON MULTI-MODE SCOUT SCAN - A CT imaging method and a CT system based on a multi-mode scout scan. The CT imaging method based on a multi-mode scout scan comprises: performing an instant switching dual energy scout radiation scan on a region of interest of a subject by way of instant switching between high voltage and low voltage to collect dual energy protection data of the region of interest; and reconstructing a material decomposition image and a mono-energetic image based on the collected dual energy projection data.

07-03-2014

20090054767

SURGICAL METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IDENTIFICATION OF FLUORESCENCE - Devices and methods for use in detecting an optical signal, such as from a fluorescent agent, and converting it to a visible signal are provided. Aspects of the devices include a first light source that emits light onto a region of interest such as a body tissue, body fluid, or agent such as a fluorescent agent introduced into the body; a detector for detecting light emitted or reflected from the region of interest; and a visible light source that emits visible light onto the region of interest, where the color or intensity of the visible light is selected based on the amount of light at one or more wavelengths detected by the detector. Devices and methods of the invention find use in a variety of applications, such as in applications in which it is desired to identify an anatomical structure during surgery, without the need to eliminate ambient light.

02-26-2009

20110201926

LOCAL EMBOLIZATION VIA HEATING OF THERMOSENSITIVE POLYMERS - Precision in thermotherapy is obtained by providing a reverse gelling polymer composition which gels when its temperature is raised above body temperature. The composition is injected into the blood supply of the tissue being treated, at the beginning of thermotherapy. The temperature increase caused by the heating gels the composition, which temporarily blocks the flow of blood in the region being treated. This improves the predictability and stability of treatment. On cessation of heating, the composition liquefies, removing the temporary embolization. The use of local heating can also expedite removal of tumors and the like from soft organs, even when the heating itself has no therapeutic effect.

Method for Imaging Intracavitary Blood Flow Patterns - Heart diseases are detected by producing a series of ultrasound images that depict the blood flow pattern in the left ventricle at successive phases of the cardiac cycle. The blood flow pattern images are produced by injecting a diluted contrast agent and tracking the contrast agent particles as they flow through the left ventricle by acquiring ultrasound images at a high frame rate.

07-23-2009

20090253986

Detection of Immobilized Contrast Agent in Medical Imaging Applications Based on Flow Dynamics Analysis - A system for facilitating the detection of an immobilized contrast agent in medical imaging applications is proposed. The system includes means for providing a sequence of a total number of input images obtained at corresponding acquisition instants by imaging a body-part of a patient subjected to an administration of a contrast agent capable of circulating within the patient and of being substantially immobilized on a biological target, each input image including a plurality of input values each one indicative of a response to an interrogation signal of a corresponding portion of the body-part possibly including said contrast agent, and means for reducing a contribution of the circulating contrast agent within the body-part in at least one selected input image; the means for reducing includes means for creating a filtered image corresponding to each selected input image by replacing a set of input values of the selected input image with a set of corresponding filtered values, each filtered value being representative of the lowest response of the corresponding portion of the body-part in a set of multiple input images including the selected input image, the set of multiple input images consisting of a number of input images lower than the total number.

10-08-2009

20130066200

MEDICAL TOOL FOR REDUCED PENETRATION FORCE WITH FEEDBACK MEANS - A medical device for reducing the force necessary to penetrate living being tissue using a variety of reciprocating motion actuators, including piezoelectric, voice coil, solenoids, pneumatics or fluidics. The reciprocating actuator drives a penetrating member, such as a needle, through the tissue at a reduced force while the device detects the passage of the penetrating member through the tissue. Upon passage of the penetrating member through the tissue, electrical power to the reciprocating actuator is automatically terminated. One exemplary method for detecting this passage is via a fluid-containing syringe that is coupled to a channel within the penetrating member. Once the penetrating member tip has passed through the living tissue, the fluid within the syringe no longer experiences any pressure and a plunger within the syringe displaces indicating passage of the penetrating member tip. This motion can provide direct tactile feedback to an operator of the medical device or can automatically open a switch providing electrical power to the medical device. Alternatively, a pressure transducer can also monitor the pressure within the penetrating member channel and automatically activate the switch to cut off the electrical power.

03-14-2013

20100113922

Methods and devices for removing tissue from a patient and placing a marker in the patient - The device is used to remove tissue from a patient and to also place a marker in the patient. The device has an opening through which tissue enters the device. The tissue, which enters the opening is cut and the tissue is removed. The device may be used a number of times to remove a number of tissue masses. The device also includes a marker, which the user may release in the patient at the desired time.

05-06-2010

20140187931

System for Detecting Fluorescence and Projecting a Representative Image - A fluorescence imaging device detects fluorescence in parts of the visible and invisible spectrum, and projects the fluorescence image directly on the human body, as well as on a monitor, with improved sensitivity, video frame rate and depth of focus, and enhanced capabilities of detecting distribution and properties of multiple fluorophores. Direct projection of three-dimensional visible representations of florescence on three-dimensional body areas advantageously permits view of it during surgical procedures, including during cancer removal, reconstructive surgery and wound care, etc. A NIR laser and a human visible laser (HVL) are aligned coaxially and scanned over the operating field of view. When the NIR laser passes over the area where the florescent dye is present, it energizes the dye which emits at a shifted NIR frequency detected by a photo diode. The HVL is turned on when emission is detected, providing visual indication of those positions.

07-03-2014

20150045665

3 DIMENSIONAL SIMULTANEOUS MULTIPLE CORE BIOPSY OR FIDUCIAL MARKER PLACEMENT DEVICE AND METHODS - Systems and methods for non-serial, substantially simultaneous or simultaneous tissue sampling and placement of multiple markers/fiducials in a non-linear, distributed or three dimensional configuration. The systems and methods can be applicable to other forms and combinations of distributed/3 dimensional/spherical localization which may include a single procedure or combination of procedures that may include 3D biopsy, fiducial placement, brachytherapy seed placement, injection/infusion of bioactive materials (e.g., chemotherapy, small molecules, cellular materials, cells, caustic materials, proteolytics, embolic material, glue, etc.), thermally or electrically derived ablation.

02-12-2015

20140088419

POSITIONING MARKER - The present invention relates to a positioning marker intended to be inserted in tissue. The marker is an elongated object with a longitudinal axis A and with a diameter perpendicular to said longitudinal axis, wherein the diameter is at the most 1,2 mm. The marker further has a predetermined total length L

03-27-2014

20140088417

METHOD FOR PUNCTURING THE PERICARDIAL MEMBRANE BY SYNCHRONIZING NEEDLE ADVANCEMENT WITH CARDIAC MUSCLE MOTION - A method for puncturing a pericardial membrane of a human patient, the method comprising inserting a needle into the chest of the human patient, detecting a phase of a mechanical activity of the heart of the human patient, advancing the needle toward the heart of the human patient in synchronization with the detected phase of the mechanical activity of the heart of the human patient, and repeating the detecting and advancing steps until the pericardial membrane of the human patient is punctured.

03-27-2014

20130338498

Catheter for Intravascular Ultrasound and Photoacoustic Imaging - The present invention includes a method of imaging and treating a target tissue without the need to occlude or dilute luminal blood in a subject by a combination of intravascular ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging by irradiating the target tissue with electromagnetic radiation at a single wavelength.

12-19-2013

20090118613

Method for Volume Determination and Geometric Reconstruction - A method for determining a volume of ablated tissue includes the steps of supplying energy to tissue, indicating an axis within the tissue, and simulating slicing of the tissue substantially perpendicular to the axis to obtain a plurality of simulated slices. Each of the plurality of simulated slices has a thickness, a cross-sectional perimeter, and a trajectory point defined by the axis within the tissue. The method further includes the steps of determining a volume of each of the plurality of simulated slices based on the trajectory point, the cross-sectional perimeter, and the thickness of each simulated slice, and summing the volumes from each of the plurality of simulated slices to obtain the volume of the ablated tissue.

05-07-2009

20100286512

SYSTEMS, METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PREPARATION, DELIVERY AND MONITORING OF RADIOPHARMACEUTICALS - In one aspect, systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which a dispensing station dispenses a large quantity of a radiotracer to one or more positron emission tomography imaging stations. In some aspects a quality control unit verifies the quality of the radiotracer. In some embodiments, components of the system are coupled by a local area network. In some aspects, each positron emission tomography imaging station includes an injector system, a physiological monitoring device, and a positron emission tomography scanner. All of the devices can be controlled by a computer system.

Apparatus and Method for Delivery of a Fluid or Sensor - An apparatus for the encapsulation and release or exposure of the contents of a chamber. The apparatus has a seal covering the opening to the chamber to encapsulate the contents of the chamber. The seal contains ultrasonically rupturable material which can be driven by an ultrasound signal to break the seal. The apparatus of the invention can be used for selective drug delivery and to contain a sensor, such as a micro-sensor, in a sealed environment prior to use.

12-18-2008

20120296205

Optical Recognition of Tissue and Vessels - Methods and apparatus for optically recognizing tissue parameters during an energy-based tissue-sealing procedure involve grasping tissue with a tissue-sealing instrument, illuminating the grasped tissue or tissue adjacent to the grasped tissue with light, analyzing the light that is transmitted, scattered, or reflected by the tissue, and recognizing the tissue based on the result of analyzing the light. The wavelength of the light may be selected so that a vessel is sufficiently recognizable in tissue containing the vessel. A marker may also be introduced into fluid flowing in the vessel to increase the contrast between the vessel and tissue containing the vessel. Analyzing the light includes analyzing the spatial and spectral distribution of light. Analyzing the light may also include forming the light into an image of the illuminated tissue. The image of the illuminated tissue may be projected onto the eyes of a surgeon or sensed by a matrix of light detectors disposed on a jaw member of the tissue-sealing instrument and transmitted to a display.

11-22-2012

20120296206

NEEDLE ARRAY ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR DELIVERING THERAPEUTIC AGENTS - A fluid delivery device includes an array of needles, each in fluid communication with a respective reservoir. Respective actuators are coupled so as to be operable to drive fluid from the reservoirs via needle ports. Each needle can have a plurality of ports, and the ports can be arranged to deliver a substantially equal amount of fluid at any given location along its length. A driver is coupled to the actuators to selectively control the rate, volume, and direction of flow of liquid through the needles. The device can simultaneously deliver a plurality of fluid agents along respective axes in solid tissue in vivo. If thereafter resected, the tissue can be sectioned for evaluation of an effect of each agent on the tissue, and based on the evaluation, candidate agents selected or deselected for clinical trials or therapy, and subjects selected or deselected for clinical trials or therapeutic treatment.

11-22-2012

20100298697

METHOD AND DEVICES FOR IMPROVED EFFICIENCY OF RNA DELIVERY TO CELLS - The instant invention provides a method for improving efficiency of RNA delivery to cells. The method comprises applying a low strength electric field to the cells and then after a certain time period, administering the ribonucleic acid sequence to the cells. Devices, kits, and RNA molecules suitable for delivery and devices suitable for practicing the disclosed methods are also provided.

11-25-2010

20100137713

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR STABILIZING A TARGET LOCATION WITHIN A HUMAN BODY - Systems and methods for stabilizing a target location within a human body. One embodiment of the system provides a tissue anchor for holding a tissue mass within a human body. The tissue anchor may include a lead; a tissue fastener coupled to the lead; and a marker which can be detected by a position detection system to facilitate placement of the anchor. The tissue anchor can be used to help stabilize tissue in a surgical procedure, e.g., in excising a lesion in amorphous, pliable tissue (e.g., breast tissue) or other body parts.

06-03-2010

20100137711

Apparatus and Method of Analyzing Arterial Plaque - A method of identifying arterial plaque analyzes arterial plaque using one or more non-invasive tests to determine if the plaque has any of a plurality of hallmarks that are predictive of disruption. The one or more tests do, in fact, test the plaque for the plurality of the hallmarks. The method then formulates a vulnerability quantity as a function of the determined hallmarks. The vulnerability quantity identifies whether the plaque is vulnerable to disruption.

06-03-2010

20100137712

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR STABILIZING A TARGET LOCATION WITHIN A HUMAN BODY - Systems and methods for stabilizing a target location within a human body. One embodiment of the system provides a tissue anchor for holding a tissue mass within a human body. The tissue anchor may include a lead; a tissue fastener coupled to the lead; and a marker which can be detected by a position detection system to facilitate placement of the anchor. The tissue anchor can be used to help stabilize tissue in a surgical procedure, e.g., in excising a lesion in amorphous, pliable tissue (e.g., breast tissue) or other body parts.

06-03-2010

20150112193

METHOD FOR ASSESSING PERFUSION IN TISSUE - Methods for assessing perfusion in a portion of tissue in an animal may include administering a fluorescent dye to the animal such that the fluorescent dye enters the portion of tissue, exciting the fluorescent dye within the portion of tissue with a source of illumination such that the fluorescent dye emits radiation, capturing the radiation emitted by the fluorescent dye with a camera, and obtaining at least one image of the fluorescence radiation emitted from the portion of tissue

04-23-2015

20090030308

SYSTEMS, COMPOSITIONS, AND METHODS FOR LOCAL IMAGING AND TREATMENT OF PAIN - Pain factors are labeled with targeted agents or markers delivered into the body. The labeled pain factors are imaged with appropriate imaging tools in a manner allowing selective identification and localization of areas of pain source or transmission. The labeled pain factors allow spatial differentiation in the imaging sufficient to specify the location of the pain so as to drive therapeutic decisions and techniques in order to treat the pain. Pain factors labeled and imaged in this manner may include one or more of nerve factors, blood vessel factors, cellular factors, and inflammation factors. Labeled markers may include for example radioactive materials (e.g. tritiated or iodinated molecules) or other materials such as metal (e.g. gold) nanoparticles. Intermediary binding materials may be used, such as for example bi-specific antibodies. Therapeutic components of the system and method include for example localized energy delivery or ablation treatments, or local drug or other chemical delivery. Locations containing pain factor selectively bound by targeted agents are selectively treated with directed energy into a region containing the targeted agent bound to the pain factor.

01-29-2009

20090124898

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR QUANTIFYING THE BEHAVIOR OF AN ADMINISTERED CONTRAST AGENT - A method for quantifying contrast agent behavior of an administrated contrast agent within a region of interest, comprises: obtaining a time sequence of measurements, I(t), of contrast agent concentration starting before the contrast agent enters the region of interest and a time sequence of measurements, J(t), of the contrast agent concentration as the contrast agent perfuses the region of interest; deconvolving I(t) from J(t) to obtain an estimate of the tissue impulse response function for the region of interest, R′(t), where R′(t) is constrained to take into account at least one of physiologic and physical considerations and is chosen such that I(t)

05-14-2009

20090137902

Intraoperative imaging methods - Described are methods for intraoperative imaging of anatomical structures using fluorescent compounds, e.g., compounds that fluoresce in the invisible light (IL) region of the spectrum, i.e., above 670 nm. An exemplary compound is methylene blue.

05-28-2009

20130165772

MICRONEEDLE DEVICES AND USES THEREOF - The present disclosure provides devices and uses thereof A devices disclosed herein comprises a plurality of microneedles adapted to protrude from the device. In some embodiments, a device is dimensioned and constructed to carry a payload, so that the payload can be delivered to an internal tissue of a subject or through a wall of a vessel after interaction with microneedles. In some embodiments, devices can be used for oral or intravenous administration. In some embodiments, devices can be used for implantation such as vaginal, rectal, urethral or bladder suppository or pessary.

06-27-2013

20120197114

NANOCARRIERS FOR IMAGING AND THERAPY APPLICATIONS - Nanocarriers and methods of preparation and use of nanocarriers are presented. In some embodiments, a nanocarrier composition comprises an organic liquid comprising a plurality of nanoparticles dispersed therein; and a coating material disposed around the exterior surface of the organic liquid. Biological tissue may be imaged or treated by coming into contact with a nanocarrier composition, and, at least in some embodiments, irradiated.

08-02-2012

20090247866

DATA COMMUNICATION AND CONTROL FOR MEDICAL IMAGING SYSTEMS - A method of coordinating an imaging procedure and an injection procedure, the method comprising the steps of providing an injector system having first and second pressurizing units for pressurizing a contrast medium and a diluent for injection into a patient; providing an imaging system for producing an image of an internal region of the patient from a signal resulting from energy applied to the patient; and providing a data interface interconnecting the injector and imaging systems for enabling exchange of digital information therebetween such that the digital information transmitted between the systems is usable to enable closed loop control of at least one of the injection and the imaging procedures during which the contrast medium and the diluent injected into the patient is adjustable so as to achieve a desired level of enhancement within the internal region of the patient of which the images are acquired during the imaging procedure.

10-01-2009

20090247864

Method for determining and displaying perfusion parameters in tomography - A method is disclosed for determining and displaying perfusion parameters. In at least one embodiment, the method includes measuring an arterial contrast agent profile; measuring a contrast agent profile in a tissue of an organ; temporally synchronizing measured values of the arterial contrast agent profile and the contrast agent profile by interpolation; fitting a theoretical parametrized contrast agent profile to the measured contrast agent profile in the tissue by minimizing the differences between the theoretical and measured contrast agent profiles over a multiplicity of times in a measurement interval by fitting function parameters; and determining at least one perfusion parameter from the function parameters in the case of minimal deviation between the theoretical and measured contrast agent profiles.

METHOD AND COMPOSITION FOR HYPERTHERMALLY TREATING CELLS - A method and composition for hyperthermally diagnosing and monitoring treatment of cells in an animal with photoacoustic sound and nanoparticles. The heat (temperature) and photoacoustic sound wave production inside the target tissue is measured. The desired temperature is achieved using a laser and photoacoustic imaging technique. Hyperthermia treatment of tissue in a target site applies a heat source to kill cells without protein denaturation. The method introduces an encapsulated dye that is released at a selected temperature in the target site to indicate that a threshold temperature has been reached to hyperthermally treat the tissue. In one embodiment, the composition releases the dye at a temperature of 42° C. to 56° C., and preferably about 45° C. to 49° C. The composition which can be a liposome composition encapsulating the dye can be introduced to the bloodstream of the patient to flow through the target site.

09-22-2011

20150112192

METHOD FOR ASSESSING BLOOD FLOW IN VASCULATURE - Methods for assessing blood flow in vasculature in a portion of tissue in an animal may include administering a fluorescent dye to the animal such that the fluorescent dye enters the portion of tissue, exciting the fluorescent dye within the portion of tissue with a source of illumination such that the fluorescent dye emits radiation, capturing the radiation emitted by the fluorescent dye with a camera capable of capturing a series of angiographic images within the portion of tissue, and evaluating the series of angiographic images to assess blood flow in the vasculature in the tissue portion.

Ultrasound-Guided Ablation Method and Ultrasound-Guided Ablation System - An ultrasound-guided ablation method captures an objective area to be ablated in an ultrasound scan area of an ultrasound transducer and delineates the objective area on an ultrasound image; specifies an ablation target area to display the ablation target area with a margin necessary for ablating the objective area on the ultrasound image processed by an ultrasound observation device and displayed on a display device; ablates, by an ablation device, the ablation target area displayed on the ultrasound image; and checks, on the ultrasound image, that an ablated area ablated by the ablation device has reached the ablation target area displayed on the ultrasound image.

03-29-2012

20120078092

REMOTELY IMAGEABLE MARKER SYSTEM AND POLYSACCHARIDE MARKER FOR USE IN SAME - A remotely imageable marker system includes a tubular delivery member having an inner lumen and a plurality of marker members. Each marker member of the plurality of marker members comprises a bioabsorbable polysaccharide in sufficient amount to exhibit hemostatic properties and a binder. The plurality of marker members is disposed within the inner lumen of the tubular delivery member.

03-29-2012

20130131507

SYNTHETIC VISUALIZATION AND QUANTIFICATION OF PERFUSION-RELATED TISSUE VIABILITY - A computing system and method for generating, displaying and manipulating synthetic 2D and 3D brain tissue viability images and associated metrics from multiple perfusion maps derived from CT or other imaging system input image datasets. Stored linguistic tissue classification rules characterizing infarct, ischemic and/or normal or other tissue classes as a function of one or more perfusion parameters are used. The perfusion maps are normalized to normal brain tissue regions. Elements of the input image dataset are classified into one of the tissue classes as a function of the normalized perfusion maps and the classification rules. The classification includes ranking each of the plurality of tissue classes for elements of the input image dataset, and assigning one of the classes to elements of the dataset as a function of the ranks.

BIOPSY METHOD - A biopsy marker applier and method are described and illustrated. The biopsy marker applier can include a cannula and at least one marker disposed within the cannula. A member can be positioned on the cannula, such as sliding member disposed to slide along the cannula. The sliding member can be used to control or limit the depth of insertion of the biopsy marker applier in a biopsy device and/or a patient.

08-20-2009

20090234225

FLUORESCENCE DETECTION SYSTEM - Exemplary embodiments include systems, methods, and compositions for the intra-operative detection of target tissue. At least one embodiment includes a fluorescence detection instrument that may be used for intra-operative detection of a fluorescent targeting agent, its binding site, and its interaction within cancer tissues. An exemplary embodiment is highly sensitive to the local deposition of fluorescence agents even at a low concentration. In at least one embodiment, the system includes a handheld navigation instrument that is usable to excite, detect, and report the fluorescent deposition of the targeting agent in real-time. In alternative embodiments, the system includes a wearable unit to excite, detect, and visually report the fluorescent deposition of the targeting agent to the user. The wearable unit includes eyewear that allow the user to perform image-guided surgery based on the near real-time fluorescence detection of the fluorescent targeting agent.

09-17-2009

20110230760

Raman imaging devices and methods of molecular imaging - In accordance with the purpose(s) of the present disclosure, as embodied and broadly described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure, in one aspect, relate to Raman imaging devices (e.g., Raman endoscope probes), methods of using Raman agents and Raman imaging devices to image or detect a signal, and the like.

NUCLEAR MEDICINE IMAGING APPARATUS AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE IMAGING SYSTEM - A PET apparatus includes a clock unit. The clock unit includes: a time measuring unit that measures a time; and a reference time receiving unit that receives a reference time. The PET apparatus also includes a detection time revising unit. By using the reference time received by the reference time receiving unit, the detection time revising unit revises detection times recorded by using the time measured by the time measuring unit. For example, the detection time revising unit revises the detection times by calculating a time error that occurred during an image taking period of a predetermined image taking process by using the time measured by the time measuring unit and the reference time received by the reference time receiving unit and further distributing the calculated time error to each of the detection times recorded during the image taking period.

08-23-2012

20120215098

Trans-Catheter / Trans-Endoscope Drug and Stem Cell Delivery - An apparatus and method are provided for very precise and efficient delivery of e.g. viscous nutritive cell matrices and/or drugs into an exact point in the human body using minimally-invasive surgical techniques. Embodiments are compatible with modern catheter access and endoscopic techniques and a disposable-plus-capital-equipment business model separating the cost of the procedure between a reusable and a disposable component. It also represents a substantial step forward in terms of safety with no high voltage or high pressure components present in the body. The inherent risk of using this design to deliver substances into the human body is significantly reduced compared to standard hydraulic methods. Mechanical trauma associated with needles is avoided with this invention, and the method is also compatible with tortuous anatomy such as the coronary or brain arteries.

08-23-2012

20120215097

INJECTION CATHETER WITH NEEDLE ELECTRODE - An injection catheter for infusing therapeutic and diagnostic agents into the heart comprises a catheter body and a tip section mounted at the distal end of the catheter body. A needle control handle is provided at the proximal end of the catheter body. An injection needle extends through the tip section, catheter body, and needle control handle. The injection needle is longitudinally slidable within the tip section so that its distal end can extend beyond the distal end of the tip section upon suitable manipulation of the needle control handle. The catheter further comprises an electrode lead wire having a first end electrically connected to the injection needle and a second end electrically connected to a suitable monitoring apparatus or to a source of ablation energy. The injection needle can thus be used for mapping or ablation in addition to introducing therapeutic and diagnostic agents into the heart.

SPECTRAL MAGNETIC PARTICLE IMAGING - The invention relates to the discrimination of spectroscopically different tracer materials by magnetic particle imaging (MPI), based on the differences of the MPI spectral responses of said tracer materials.

08-02-2012

20090240142

SYSTEMS AND METHOD OF DELIVERING FLUIDS TO A PATIENT OF VARYING CONCENTRATION - A method for injection of an imaging contrast into a patient, includes: a. in a first phase, injecting a fluid having a first concentration of contrast agent for a first period of time; and b. in a second phase, injecting a fluid having a second concentration of contrast agent for a second period of time. The osmolarity of the second phase is higher than the osmolarity of the first phase. In several embodiments in which the contrast agent of the first phase is of the same composition as the contrast agent of the second phase, the second concentration can be higher than the first concentration. The first phase can, for example, precede the second phase. The method can further include: c. in a third phase, subsequent to the second phase, injecting a fluid having a third concentration of contrast agent for a third period of time. The osmolarity of the third phase is lower than the osmolarity of the second phase. In embodiments in which the composition of the contrast agent of the third phase is the same as the composition of the contrast agent of the second phase, the third concentration can be lower than the second concentration. The fluid injected in the first phase can, for example, be closer to the osmolarity of blood that the fluid injected in the second phase and can even be generally iso-osmolar to blood plasma (for example, within 20% or even 10% or less of the osmolarity of blood plasma of the patient). Likewise, the fluid injected in the third phase can be closer to the osmolarity of blood plasma that the fluid injected in the second phase and can even be generally iso-osmolar to blood.

09-24-2009

20140180085

Renal Injury Inhibiting Devices, Systems, and Methods Employing Low-Frequency Ultrasound or Other Cyclical Pressure Energies - Improved devices, systems, and methods treatment of patients can be used to help mitigate injury to the kidneys by applying cyclical mechanical pressure energy at low intensities. The energy often be selectively directed from non-invasive transducers disposed outside the patients. The energy will typically comprise low frequency ultrasound energy, shock wave energy, or the like, and may induce the generation and/or release of nitric oxide, thereby enhancing perfusion and ameliorating tissue damage. Superimposed micro and macro duty cycles may help avoid thermal and other injury to tissues of the patient during treatment. Bilateral treatments are facilitated by a support structure that orients at least one transducer toward each kidney.

06-26-2014

20140180084

PRESSURE SENSING IN MEDICAL INJECTION SYSTEMS - A pressure sensor for a medical injection system includes a cuff, a transducer embedded in the cuff, and a force transmitting member coupled to the transducer and exposed at an inner surface of the cuff, such that an outer surface of a tubing line of a fluid circuit of the system, when fitted within the cuff, contacts the force transmitting member. A limited length of the tubing line may have a greater compliance than a remainder of the line, in which case, the pressure sensor cuff fits around and encloses the limited length to provide support against plastic deformation, when pressures within the line are significantly greater than atmospheric. The pressure sensor may detect whether or not the cuff is properly fitted around the tubing line, and/or determine a characteristic of the tubing line.

Multiway Cock and Liquid Dispensing Circuit - A multiway cock has a cock body, a cock member, and a cover. The cock body has a circular tube part that has a first portion and a second portion arranged parallel to each other along the axis of the circular tube part. A first port and a second port are formed in the outer periphery of the first portion, and a third port, a fourth port, a fifth port, and a sixth port are formed in the outer periphery of the second portion. The cock member has a barrel part in which a first flow passage and a second flow passage are formed, a lever installation part, and a lever. Opening or closing of the first to sixth ports formed in the first portion and the second portion can be selected by rotating the cock member.

07-29-2010

20100305436

SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS FOR PHOTOACTIVE ASSISTED RESECTION - A method and system is used to locate tissue for removal during a resection. The system includes a container that holds a photoactivatable agent capable of binding with unwanted tissue at a treatment site, a light source, and a viewing device. The light source is adapted to continuously output light that causes fluorescence of the photoactivatable agent in unwanted tissue. The system provides fluorescence-enhanced viewing of the treatment site through the viewing device. The viewing device has a filter that filters out light from the light source that is reflected from the treatment site while allowing a fluorescence emission from the photoactivatable agent to pass therethrough to each eye of the user. The light from the light source and the fluorescence emission are in different regions of the energy spectrum.

12-02-2010

20100160777

REVERSE DEPLOYMENT DEVICE - A site marker deployment device is disclosed. The site marker deployment device comprises an inner member and a deployment cannula. The inner member has a distal end. The deployment cannula has an open distal end. The deployment cannula is slidably disposed over the inner member and a site marker that is disposed within the deployment cannula adjacent the inner member at the distal end of the depolyment cannula. The inner member is configured to be held generally stationary relative to a target location as deployment cannula is selectively moved between a pre-deployment configuration wherein the deployment cannula is positioned over at least a portion of the site marker and a deployed configuration wherein the deployment cannula is retracted such that the site marker is released from the deployment cannula.

APPARATUS FOR IMPLANTING A PRELOADED LOCALIZATION WIRE - An apparatus for percutaneously implanting a localization wire into a tissue mass includes a handle having a grip portion and a base. The grip portion is slidably mounted to the base. The base has a keyway. A cannula is movable relative to the handle between an insertion position and a retracted position. A localization wire is positioned to extend from the handle and into the cannula lumen. An actuator is coupled to the cannula and is configured to operate between a charged condition and a discharged condition to retract the cannula. A collar is mounted to the cannula. The collar includes a key having a key projection. The key projection is not aligned with the keyway when the actuator is in the charged condition and the key projection is aligned with the keyway to facilitate retraction of the cannula toward the retracted position to effect the discharged condition.

02-19-2015

20090221913

INTRALUMINAL TISSUE MARKERS - Methods and devices are provided for marking tissue to be subsequently located for removal from a body or for other examination. In general, a marker is provided that can be delivered adjacent to tissue desirable for marking. The marker can coil adjacent to the desired tissue. The marker can remain disposed in the body in its coiled position and be subsequently palpably identified and/or visually identified to locate the desired tissue.

09-03-2009

20100240990

Diagnosis and treatment method of malignant tumours and marker compound - A method of diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumours by the steps locating an area containing of lymph systems including lymph nodes and lymph ducts draining the area around a tumour, injecting a magnetic particles containing marker compound in and around the tumour, the compound migrating into the lymph system and lymph nodes draining the area around said tumour; making images of such area, by methods such as X-ray, Ultrasound and the like and identifying locations of lymph nodes, conducting biopsies of lymph nodes responding to the marker compound to determine the tumour status of such lymph nodes, and operating to remove both the malignant tumour and tumour-invaded lymph nodes, and subsequently subjecting the area around said tumour and containing any remaining said lymph nodes and ducts to an hyperthermal treatment by an oscillating electromagnetic field thereby inducing heat in said magnetic particles containing marker compound, to break down any potentially remaining tumour cells in the said remained micro lymph nodes in that area. Also disclosed is a marker compound for the marking , detecting, and possible subsequent treatment of the lymph system draining the tumour area.

09-23-2010

20100210941

AUTO EXAMINATION SYSTEM FOR INTERVERTEBRAL DISCS - Disclosed is an auto examination system for intervertebral discs which injects a contrast material into a human intervertebral disc at a regular velocity through a needle and then measures internal pressure of the intervertebral disc from the outside, and uses data, obtained by synchronizing the measured pressure data and a captured image of the intervertebral disc, as diagnosis data, so as to more accurately identify a pain region of intervertebral discs of a patient based on a variation in the internal pressure of the intervertebral disc.

POST-BIOPSY CAVITY TREATMENT IMPLANTS AND METHODS - An implant for filling a cavity created by an excisional procedure includes first and second portions. The first portion may include a first collagenous matrix that defines a first selected crosslinking density and the second portion may include a second collagenous matrix that defines a second selected cross-linking density that is different than the first cross-linking density. The first and second cross-linking densities may be selected so as to cause the first and second portions to swell in such a manner that the implant swells into a size and a shape that is similar to the predetermined size and shape of the cavity when the implant is implanted. An aqueous solution may be added to the cavity if the cavity is not sufficiently aqueous to cause the implant to swell.

11-22-2012

20140031682

SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING RETROGRADE CAROTID ARTERIAL BLOOD FLOW - A retrograde flow system is configured for treating an artery. The system includes an arterial access device adapted to be introduced into an artery and receive blood flow from the artery. A shunt fluidly is connected to the arterial access device, wherein the shunt provides a pathway for blood to flow from the arterial access device to a return site. A flow control assembly is coupled to the shunt and is adapted to regulate blood flow through the shunt between at least a first blood flow state and at least a second blood flow state. A shut-off valve assembly automatically blocks fluid flow through the shunt in response to injection of the fluid into the arterial access device.

01-30-2014

20110009744

BIOLOGICAL OBSERVATION APPARATUS AND BIOLOGICAL OBSERVATION METHOD - A biological observation apparatus is configured as follows. Namely, the biological observation apparatus includes a marker attached to a living body in order to detect the vibration of the living body, a high-sensitivity camera which forms an observation image of the living body, a high-speed camera which forms an image of light from the marker, and an optical system including a first BA which prevents the light from the marker from entering the high-sensitivity camera.

01-13-2011

20120041305

LIGHT-EMITTING DYE FOR INTRAOPERATIVE IMAGING OR SENTINEL LYMPH NODE BIOPSY - The present invention relates generally to the field of fluorescent dyes as a system useful for surgery imaging. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems, methods and kits for exciting fluorescent, phosphorescent or luminescent molecules with light from a light source and detecting the relative fluorescent, phosphorescent, or luminescent light intensity emitted from the fluorescent, phosphorescent, or luminescent molecule. Such systems may be applied as mapping agents for various surgical techniques, such as for cancer surgeries and biopsies.

02-16-2012

20120041304

AGENT-BASED IMAGING - In one embodiment, a method includes correlating, via a data correlator (

02-16-2012

20120041303

PHAGE ANTIBODIES TO RADIATION-INDUCIBLE NEOANTIGENS - A method for identifying a molecule that binds an irradiated tumor in a subject and molecules identified thereby. The method includes the steps of: (a) exposing a tumor to ionizing radiation; (b) administering to a subject a library of diverse molecules; and (c) isolating from the tumor one or more molecules of the library of diverse molecules, whereby a molecule that binds an irradiated tumor is identified. Also provided are therapeutic and diagnostic methods using targeting ligands that bind an irradiated tumor.

02-16-2012

20110178398

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMAGING OF VESSEL SEGMENTS - An apparatus, method and software arrangement for imaging a surface of a structure that is in contact with an opaque fluid is provided. The apparatus includes an article of manufacture (e.g., a housing), a fluid delivery arrangement and an imaging arrangement. The housing includes an aperture formed in the article of manufacture. The fluid delivery arrangement is configured to deliver a volume of substantially transparent fluid to the aperture formed in the housing. The imaging arrangement is configured to image the surface of the structure using an imaging modality after the volume of the transparent fluid is delivered to the aperture, wherein the imaging arrangement and/or the article of manufacture is translated along the surface of the structure while imaging the surface of the structure.

07-21-2011

20090312630

INFUSION SYSTEMS INCLUDING COMPUTER-FACILITATED MAINTENANCE AND/OR OPERATION AND METHODS OF USE - Methods for setting up, maintaining and operating a radiopharmaceutical infusion system, that includes a radioisotope generator, are facilitated by a computer of the system. The computer includes pre-programmed instructions and a computer interface, for interaction with a user of the system, for example, in order to track contained volumes of eluant and/or eluate, and/or to track time from completion of an elution performed by the system, and/or to calculate one or more system parameters for quality control, and/or to perform purges of the system.

12-17-2009

20140066758

SPINAL IMPLANT SYSTEM AND METHODS OF USE - A method for treating a spine disorder includes providing a bone fastener including a distal portion and a proximal portion including an axial opening and defining a longitudinal passageway. At least one lateral opening is disposed in communication with the longitudinal passageway. The axial opening is disposed in communication with the longitudinal passageway. The distal portion is engaged with a first vertebral surface. The second vertebral surface is spaced apart from the first vertebral surface. A radiopaque biologic is introduced through the axial opening and into the longitudinal passageway and delivered to a surgical site adjacent the first vertebral surface and the second vertebral surface. Systems for treating a spine disorder are disclosed.

03-06-2014

20090209853

BIOPSY SITE MARKER APPLIER - A biopsy marker applier and method are described and illustrated. The biopsy marker applier can include a cannula and at least one marker disposed within the cannula. A member can be positioned on the cannula, such as sliding member disposed to slide along the cannula. The sliding member can be used to control or limit the depth of insertion of the biopsy marker applier in a biopsy device and/or a patient.

08-20-2009

20130046173

Devices and methods for recording information on a subject's body - Embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods, devices, and computer systems thereof for visibly or non-visibly indicating a subject has received a medical treatment. In certain embodiments, a subject receives an information mark in conjunction with a medical treatment. In certain embodiments, the information mark includes unique information relating to the subject. In certain embodiments, devices, computer systems, and methods relate to reading an information mark on a subject, and optionally determining if further medical treatment of the subject is warranted. In certain embodiments, receipt of an information mark entitles a subject to a reward.

02-21-2013

20090312631

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DETECTING IN-VIVO PATHOLOGY - Devices, systems and methods for detecting in vivo pathology are provided. An in vivo sensing device comprises a reacting layer with at least one type of binding agent attached thereon, a sensor configured for sensing an optical change occurring on the reacting substrate, and at least one illumination source. In-vivo fluids are in constant contact with the reacting substrate so that in vivo marker indicating pathology may bind to the binding agent attached onto the reacting layer and may be viewed by the sensor.

12-17-2009

20130281847

INTRACORPOREAL MARKER AND MARKER DELIVERY DEVICE - An intracorporeal marker system includes a tissue marker pellet comprised of a polysaccharide material. The intracorporeal marker system may also include a fibrous marker of bioabsorbable fibers. In one embodiment, for example, an outer layer of bioabsorbable fibers is disposed around at least part of an inner core of bioabsorbable fibers.

Polysaccharide markers - The marker member delivery system described has a plurality of marker members disposed within a delivery tube or cannula which contain a suitable polysaccharide such as starch (e.g. corn starch or potato starch) and a binder such as methylcellulose. These marker members are preferably press-formed from powders. The system has preferably has at least one other marker member formed of bioabsorbable material with a radiopaque element attached to or incorporated therein. The marker with a radiopaque marker element is preferably disposed within the delivery tube between two marker members formed of polysaccharide and is preferably formed of a bioabsorbable material other than a polysaccharide.

08-27-2009

20090216117

NOVEL METHOD OF USING TRIACETIN AND AUXILIARY AGENT FOR ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC EXAMINATION - A drug in the form of a solid preparation soluble or suspendable in water or an aqueous solution characterized by containing at least one biocompatible, gastric motility suppressing component such as triacetin, which is capable of transmitting ultrasonic wave to a target organ via the solution pooled in the body in a noninvasive examination (for example, an ultrasonic examination of an abdominal organ), identifying the area in which the solution exists, or clarifying the boundary of the solution and an organ in contact therewith, is employed as an auxiliary agent in the examination. In addition, triacetin can be extensively used as a gastric motility suppressor.

08-27-2009

20110082369

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYING ENHANCED IMAGING DATA ON A CLINICAL IMAGE - In one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus includes a display device. The display device displays a desaturated image of tissue captured in the visible electro-magnetic (EM) spectrum from a body cavity; and a first color enhanced image combined with the desaturated image. The first color enhanced image represents the first data captured from the body cavity outside the visible electromagnetic spectrum. The relative brightness between the desaturated image and the first color enhanced image is set to emphasize the first data over the tissue captured in the visible electromagnetic spectrum to provide improved information content.

04-07-2011

20110251484

Molecular imaging using radioluminescent nanoparticles - Molecular imaging of radioluminescent nanoparticle probes injected into biological tissue is performed by irradiated the tissue with ionizing radiation to induce radioluminescence at optical wavelengths, preferably at predetermined near infrared wavelengths. The optical light is detected and processed to determine a spatial distribution of the probes. The radioluminescent nanoparticles may be inorganic or organic phosphors, scintillators, or quantum dots. Imaging systems realizing this technique include tomographic systems using an x-ray beam to sequentially irradiate selected regions, systems with a radioactive source producing the ionizing radiation from outside the tissue, such as with a beam, or inside the tissue, such as with an endoscope or injected radiopharmaceutical. The optical signals may be detected by a photodetector array external to the tissue, a photodetector integrated with an endoscope or mammographic paddle, integrated into a capsule endoscope, or an array positioned near the biological tissue.

10-13-2011

20110077512

Biopsy marker composition and method of use - An aqueous suspension of titanium dioxide, polymethylmethacrylate and Vitamin E oil is used to mark a location wherein a skin biopsy has been taken to enable subsequent identification of the biopsy location under ultraviolet light. The location is advantageously treated with Vitamin E oil on a daily basis subsequently extend the fluorescing life of the applied titanium dioxide.

03-31-2011

20140276038

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PREDICTING IMPACT OF A CATHETER ON CURVATURE OF A VESSEL - The invention generally relates to systems and methods for predicting impact of a catheter on curvature of a vessel. In certain aspects, the invention provides a system for predicting impact of a catheter on curvature of a vessel. The system includes a central processing unit (CPU) and storage coupled to the CPU for storing instructions. The stored instructions, when executed by the CPU, cause the CPU to accept as input data representative of stiffness of a catheter. The CPU is additionally caused to compare the data to a material parameters data set. The material parameters data set includes vessel displacement values for catheters of different stiffness. The CPU is additionally caused to predict impact of the catheter on a curvature of a vessel based on the comparison of the data to the material parameters data set, and to provide the prediction as an output.

09-18-2014

20140276034

Apparatus Detection of Circulatory Anomalies - A system, and apparatus for detecting and quantifying circulatory anomalies, including right-to-left cardiac shunts. The apparatus implements a sensor system useful in connection with a circulatory indicator delivery system. The sensor apparatus is preferably configured with a series of emitter/detector pairs to optimize the sensitivity of detection of the circulating indicator. Sensing of the indicator concentration takes place at an arterial vasculature, for example, the pinna of the human ear. A monitor/controller calculates and displays a indicator/dye dilution curve to assess for the presence of a cardiac shunt. The monitor/controller further corrects the indicator/dilution curve displayed for any recirculation phenomena and can quantify any right-to-left shunt calculated conductance associated with detected shunts.

09-18-2014

20110071390

ROTARY MEDICAL MANIFOLD - A rotary medical manifold, for delivering various fluids through a patient delivery mechanism is described. The rotary manifold can include a manifold body and a valve stem. The manifold body can include a central cavity, an output port, a first fluid port, and a second fluid port. The valve stem can include an injector port, and a single central fluid passage. The valve stem can be adapted to slibably engage the central cavity of the manifold body and provide selective fluidic connectivity between the injector port and the output port, the first fluid port and the second fluid port.

03-24-2011

20110190627

Method and Device for Marking a Medium, and Marker Usable in Such a Method - To mark an area of interest in a target medium, an initially inactivated and ultrasound-activatable optical marker is added to the medium, and then an ultrasound activation beam is emitted, being focused on the area of interest in order to locally activate the marker, which then colors the area of interest.

08-04-2011

20120277582

DEVICES AND METHODS FOR OSTEOLYTIC LESION ASSESSMENT USING A STEERABLE CATHETER - A method of assessing the volume of a lesion in a bone comprises inserting a steerable catheter comprising an expandable structure, a suction member, and a steerable element into the bone along a longitudinal axis. The method further comprises steering the steerable element away from the longitudinal axis toward the lesion, removing cellular matter from the lesion using the suction member, and inflating the expandable structure with inflation medium to create a cavity defining the boundary of the lesion. The method also comprises measuring the volume of inflation medium in the expandable structure, thereby determining the volume of the cavity.

11-01-2012

20100198059

REMOTELY ACTIVATED MARKER - A biopsy site marker having at least one small marker body or pellet of bioresorbable material such as gelatin, collagen, polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid which has a radiopaque object, preferably with a non-biological configuration. The at least one bioresorbable body or pellet with a radiopaque object is deposited into the biopsy site, by a delivery device that includes an elongated tubular body with a piston slidable within the tubular body. One end of the tube is placed into the biopsy site. At least one but preferably several marker bodies or pellets are deposited sequentially into the biopsy site through the tube. At least the bioresorbable materials of the detectable markers remain present in sufficient quantity to permit detection and location of the biopsy site at a first time point (e.g., 2 weeks) after introduction but clear from the biopsy site or otherwise do not interfere with imaging of tissues adjacent the biopsy site at a second time point (e.g., 5-7 months) after introduction.

08-05-2010

20110178399

OCCLUSION DEVICE FOR VASCULAR SURGERY - An occlusion device for vascular surgery, suitable for clogging treatments of vascular entry sites and for endovascular interventions such as embolizations of blood vessels, treatment of arteriovenous malformations or small aneurysms, arterial dissections and the like, by releasing in an operation region a quick setting surgical glue or haemostatic fluid, through an outlet mouth of a duct. The device prevents the surgical glue from contacting within the duct a patient's biological fluids, in particular blood, which would close the duct. In the case of clogging treatments of vascular entry sites, a backflow preventing device may be provided, preferably provided by a coupling device between the duct and an introducer sheath by which an outlet mouth is kept in contact to keep in a one-way fluid tight contact against the outer surface of the introducer sheath until an injection pressure P

07-21-2011

20120277584

TWO-PHASE SURGICAL PROCEDURE FOR CREATING A PNEUMOSTOMA TO TREAT CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE - A two-phase surgical procedure is disclosed for creating a pneumostoma to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease The first phase is a procedure to induce creation of a localized pleurodesis and is preferably performed as an outpatient procedure. The second phase is a procedure to introduce a surgical instrument into the lung via the pleurodesis to create the pneumostoma. An interval of about one of more days between the first and second phases allows the formation of a stable pleurodesis to prevent pneumothorax during the procedure.

11-01-2012

20120277583

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TESTING THE GASTRIC VALVE - A system and method tests the gastric valve in a patient. A contrast agent is supplied into the stomach of the patient. An involuntary reflex cough epoch is induced within the patient to isolate the gastric valve from the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). A fluoroscopic instrument is used to detect whether stomach reflux has occurred indicative of a malfunctioning gastric valve.

11-01-2012

20110257519

ESTIMATING AND CORRECTING FOR CONTRAST AGENT EXTRAVASATION IN TISSUE PERFUSION IMAGING - The invention provides a method, an image analysis software product, and a system for medical imaging analysis for estimating contrast agent extravasation in contrast agent based perfusion imaging such as MRI dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) imaging, and in particular correction, compensation, or visualization of extravascular leakage of contrast agent in tumors. According to the invention, the effect of extravasation is directly manifested in the tail part of an observed, apparent residue function, R′(t), obtained directly by de-convoluting the expression C(t)=R′(t)

10-20-2011

20080269603

SITE MARKER VISIBLE UNDER MULTIPLE MODALITIES - Various embodiments of a site marker are disclosed that comprise a body portion and a marker element. The body portion is constructed of a bioabsorbable material and defines at least one cavity therein. The marker element is captured within one of the cavities. The marker element is constructed of a material that may be imaged under at least one imaging modality.

10-30-2008

20150057537

ENDOSCOPE MOUNTABLE VISUALIZATION DEVICE AND HANDLE - A dual medical endoscope system can be constructed including a first and a second medical endoscope, where the first endoscope comprises an accessory channel with a proximal mounting port providing access thereto, and where the second endoscope comprises a handle body that is securely and removably attached to the proximal mounting port. An endoscope, which may be the second endoscope, can include an elongate, manipulable shaft with a distal-end visualization element and a handle body comprising at least one control surface for manipulating a distal region of the shaft, where the handle body includes a passage through which a length of the shaft is passable, and where the handle body includes a connection structure configured for securely and removably mounting the handle to a channel of another endoscope in a manner axially aligning the passage with the channel to provide a path of communication for the shaft.

02-26-2015

20150057538

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MONITORING TOTAL DELIVERED DOSE OF CONTRAST MEDIA - Disclosed are methods and devices for monitoring total delivered dose of an analyte of interest, such as an iodine containing contrast media used during intravascular procedures. The device includes a flow rate measuring capability, and an analyte concentration measuring capability. Total cumulative delivered dose of the analyte can be determined, without regard to the number of sources of analyte and variations in concentration of the analyte delivered over the course of an intravascular procedure.

02-26-2015

20080214933

Image-Based Planning Methods and Apparatus for Targeted Therapy - The present invention relates generally to biomedical devices. In particular, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for delivering a patient-specifically optimized treatment plan for targeted drug therapy that takes into account the individual 4-D biodistribution of the given targeted agent. An improvement in clinical outcome can be achieved in terms of disease response and survival rates and/or in terms of quality of life.

GAS VESICLE ULTRASOUND CONTRAST AGENTS AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME - Provided are ultrasound imaging methods that include administering to a subject a contrast agent that includes a plurality of collapsible gas vesicles, obtaining ultrasound data of a target site of interest, and analyzing the ultrasound data to produce an ultrasound image of the target site. Ultrasound contrast agents are also provided. The subject methods and contrast agents find use in ultrasound imaging applications.

MEDICAL IMAGING APPARATUS AND MEDICAL IMAGING METHOD - An injection part injects a contrast agent into a subject. An image acquiring part images the subject with the contrast agent injected, and acquires a plurality of image data with different imaging times. A pixel value calculator obtains a pixel value within a region of interest set in each of the image data acquired by the image acquiring part, for each of the image data. An injection controller controls injection of the contrast agent by the injection part in accordance with the pixel value obtained for each of the image data.

11-18-2010

20110098561

DEFLECTABLE SUBSELECTING CATHETER - A medical device including, e.g., an implantable medical lead or drug pump catheter, a guide member, or a sheath is delivered to a target location within a patient via a catheter capable of subselecting vessels or other cavities, passages, or the like within the patient's body. The catheter employs an inflatable member that, when actuated, acts to deflect a medical device to direct the device into a vessel or other cavity, passage, or the like branching off of, e.g., a vessel in which the catheter is arranged. In some examples, the inflatable member acts to deflect the delivery catheter, which in turn necessarily deflects the implantable medical device arranged therein. In other examples, the inflatable member acts to deflect the medical device to turn the device into a vessel or other cavity, passage, or the like branching off of the vessel in which the catheter is arranged.

04-28-2011

20110118598

Targeted Inhibition of Physiologic and Pathologic Processes - In some embodiments, sympathetic nerves surrounding arteries or leading to organs are targeted with energy sources to correct or modulate physiologic processes. In some embodiments, different types of energy sources are utilized singly or combined with one another. In some embodiments, bioactive agents or devices activated by the energy sources are delivered to the region of interest and the energy is enhanced by such agents.

INFUSION SYSTEMS CONFIGURATIONS - Shielding assemblies for systems that generate and infuse radiopharmaceuticals. The shielding assemblies include a sidewall that defines several compartments and provides a radiation barrier for the compartments and provides a passageway sized to accommodate routing of an eluate line from a radioisotope generator. One compartment is sized to contain the radioisotope generator. A second compartment is sized to hold a portion of an infusion circuit that may be an extension of the eluate line and may include a waste line and a patient line.

03-24-2011

20100121187

Administering a therapeutic agent with more than one taggant - A system may include a means for administering a therapeutic agent to a subject; a means for administering a first pharmaceutically-acceptable taggant to the subject at least substantially concurrent with the therapeutic agent, the first pharmaceutically-acceptable taggant having a pharmacokinetic profile; and a means for administering a second pharmaceutically-acceptable taggant to the subject with the first pharmaceutically-acceptable taggant, the second pharmaceutically-acceptable taggant having a pharmacokinetic profile different from the pharmacokinetic profile of the first pharmaceutically-acceptable taggant.

05-13-2010

20110071391

BIOPSY MARKER DELIVERY DEVICE WITH POSITIONING COMPONENT - A biopsy marker delivery device are described. The delivery device can include a relatively flexible hollow tube, a pushing member such as a push rod disposed for sliding with the tube, and at least one marker disposed in the tube. A positioning component is described and shown disposed around the hollow tube.

03-24-2011

20140066760

METHOD OF CHARACTERIZING TISSUE OF A PATIENT - A method for characterizing tissue of a patient, including receiving acoustic data derived from the interaction between the tissue and the acoustic waves irradiating the tissue; generating a morphology rendering of the tissue from the acoustic data, in which the rendering represents at least one biomechanical property of the tissue; determining a prognostic parameter for a region of interest in the rendering, in which the prognostic parameter incorporates the biomechanical property; and analyzing the prognostic parameter to characterize the region of interest. In some embodiment, the method further includes introducing a contrast agent into the tissue; generating a set of enhanced morphology renderings of the tissue after introducing the contrast agent; determining an enhanced prognostic parameter from the enhanced morphology renderings; and analyzing the enhanced prognostic parameter.

03-06-2014

20140066761

Optoacoustic-Ultrasonic Contrast Agents with Enhanced Efficiency - Provided herein are dual contrast agents or nanocomposite particles designed to enhance optoacoustic-ultrasonic imaging. The contrast agents or particles have a core designed to enhance response to incident transient ultrasonic pressure waves and at least two layers disposed around the core. The inner first layer is designed to effectively absorb incident transient optical waves, convert absorbed optical energy into heat and demonstrates significant thermal expansion and/or conversion of thermal energy into acoustic pressure. The outer second layer thermally insulates the inner layer from the surrounding aqueous environment and enhances the generation of transient ultrasonic pressure waves during optoacoustic-ultrasonic imaging and sensing. Also provided are methods of enhancing contrast in a tissue optoacoustic-ultrasonic imaging and producing enhanced optoacoustic images by contacting the tissue with the dual contrast agent or nanocomposite particles.

03-06-2014

20140066762

METHOD OF TRACKING SPECIFIC CELLS IN VIVO - A method of tracking specific cells in vivo is disclosed. The method of the disclosure includes: providing fluorescent nanoparticles suitable for targeting of specific cells; administering the fluorescent nanoparticles to a subject; providing an X-ray source to irradiate the subject; and determining the distribution and growth of the specific cells by the fluorescent images from the fluorescent nanoparticles and X-ray images of the subject irradiated by the X-ray source.

03-06-2014

20140066759

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PARAMETRIC IMAGING - A method is provided including obtaining ultrasound information including anatomy information representative of a portion of anatomy to be imaged and artifact information representative of a coherent interference artifact. A contrast agent has been associated with the coherent interference artifact. Due to association with the contrast agent, the coherent interference artifact appears in different realizations in a plurality of readings taking along a single line. The method also includes suppressing the artifact information to form revised ultrasound information. Suppressing the artifact information includes using the plurality of readings to suppress the artifact information. Also, the method includes reconstructing the ultrasound image using the revised ultrasound information.

Fused Ring Thiophene Dyes for Imaging and Therapy - The invention provides optical agents, including compositions, preparations and formulations, and methods of using and making optical agents. Optical agents of the present invention include oligomer dyes, and derivatives thereof, having a fused ring backbone structure having an oligothiophene core. In some embodiments, oligomer dyes of the present invention are fused ring thiophene dyes having an oligothiophene core comprising a plurality of fused thiophene, thiophene-oxide, and/or thiophene-dioxide rings, optionally functionalized to provide useful optical, biological, pharmacokinetic and/or physical properties. The compounds are dithieno[3,2-b;2′,3′-d]thiophene derivatives.

08-11-2011

20110152679

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING COLORED PERSISTENCE IMAGES IN NUCLEAR MEDICINE IMAGING - Systems and methods for generating persistence images in nuclear medicine (NM) imaging are provided. One method includes acquiring a nuclear emission image of a patient injected with a radiopharmaceutical in a persistence data acquisition mode. The method further includes determining an assigned display color corresponding to NM persistence image information including detected nuclear activity from the radiopharmaceutical for each of a plurality of event count values. The method also includes color mapping the acquired NM persistence image information using the assigned display colors and generating with a processor a color NM persistence image based on the color mapping. The method additionally includes displaying the generated color NM persistence image.

06-23-2011

20090112086

Prostate imaging - A device for registering prostate images, the device comprises an elongate element suitable for insertion into a body passageway, the elongate element comprising at least one marker readable by an ultrasound probe and at least one marker readable by a gamma camera.

04-30-2009

20100030071

DELAY-COMPENSATED CALCULATION OF TISSUE BLOOD FLOW - Methods for computing perfusion parameters are described. The methods are typically used to analyze magnetic resonance (MR) and other image data and to calculate tissue perfusion parameters such as blood flow in the brain or in tissues in other organs such as the heart. The methods employ a block-circulant matrix for deconvolving the perfusion parameters from the image data.

02-04-2010

20100030070

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INJECTING CONTRAST PRODUCTS - The invention concerns a system for injecting contrast product comprising an injecting mechanism, at least two reservoirs operatively associated with the injecting mechanism, said reservoirs being designed to contain at least one contrast product and one rinsing product respectively; and a control device comprising programming means, which is operatively associated with the injecting mechanism and capable of operating for programming selectively one or more injection process phases. The system is characterized in that it comprises a triggering member operatively associated with the control device so that the control device is capable of programming at least one injecting phase of the contrast product at a predetermined flow rate followed by a rinsing phase at another predetermined flow rate and a programmed duration for injecting the contrast product based on a signal given during the injection by said triggering member when the contrast product is visualized in a region of interest. The invention also concerns a method for using said system as well as various applications thereof.

02-04-2010

20140276032

Endorectal Prostate Probe Composed Of A Combined Mini Gamma Camera And Ultrasound Sensor - A dual modality probe is disclosed having both a gamma probe sensor and an ultrasound sensor. A dual imaging system is provided having the probe and at least one external gamma imaging detector and a data acquisition computer system for collecting data simultaneously from the gamma probe sensor, the gamma imaging detector, and the ultrasound sensor of the probe. A method for evaluating a target organ of a patient utilizing the probe and imaging system, and performing a biopsy of the organ is disclosed.

09-18-2014

20130053691

ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC AND TREATMENT DEVICE - Provided is an ultrasound diagnostic and treatment device for tumors which is used in combination with a phase-shift ultrasound contrast agent. By using a phase-shift ultrasound contrast agent, irradiating phase-shift ultrasonic waves from a phase-shift ultrasonic wave transmitter (

02-28-2013

20080300484

Delay insensitive SVD algorithm for perfusion analysis - This document discusses, among other things, a computerized system comprising a perfusion analyzer circuit and a memory circuit to store a time sequence of volumetric image data. The image data is obtained in a time relation to arrival of a contrast agent at an anatomical region associated with the image. The perfusion analyzer circuit is configured to access the stored image data and receive a representation of an artery and a representation of tissue near the artery, shift the representation of the artery in time such that a time of arrival of the contrast at the artery precedes arrival of the contrast at the representation of tissue, automatically compute a perfusion parameter using the shifted representation of the artery, and provide the perfusion parameter as an output to a user or to an automated process.

12-04-2008

20130345559

QUANTITATIVE PERFUSION ANALYSIS FOR EMBOLOTHERAPY - Methods for quantitative perfusion analysis for embolotherapy are presented. The method quantitatively measures blood flow changes based on angiographic information. The method may provide potential evaluation of optimal embolization endpoints in vascular vessels. The method may be used in various applications such as transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE), or other medical procedures that affect blow flow within bodily tissues. The method is applicable towards treatment of tumors in liver, kidney, brain, and other organs.

12-26-2013

20100317969

Nasolacrimal duct probing, intubating and irrigating device - A device and method for performing probing and intubation of the nasolacrimal system includes a tubular probe through which a tracer fluid is injected and collected in the nasal cavity to verify that the tip of the probe has passed through an obstruction and reached the nasal cavity. A sleeve fitted over the probe has distal segment that is inflated in order to retain the sleeve in the nasolacrimal system once the tubular probe has been withdrawn. Removal of blood and other obstructions encountered during the probing or intubation process is accomplished by connecting the proximal end of the probe to a suction device.

12-16-2010

20110218432

In Vivo Molecular Imaging - SPECT pixel detectors could be mounted onto moving subjects, such as small rats, to allow live scanning and/or imaging of moving subjects in their natural environment. Solid state monolithic pixel detectors are used for compactness and portability. The pixel detector is designed to be directly read out by integrated circuits and could be flip-chip mounted on the integrated circuit. The detector systems can also wirelessly transmit image data to save space and for ease of portability.

Optimized Placement of Cannula for Delivery of Therapeutics to the Brain - Methods and systems are provided for improved delivery of agents to targeted regions of the brain, by the use of placement coordinates that provide for optimal placement of delivery cannula. By optimizing the cannula placement, reproducible distribution of infusate in the targeted region of the brain is achieved, allowing a more effective delivery of therapeutics to the brain.

08-16-2012

20130090557

ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR OUTPUTTING ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC IMAGE - An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus which includes: an imaging unit which forms images of a subject; a motion detection region setting unit which selects a first image from among the images which include images of the ultrasound contrast agent, selects a second image from among the images which do not include images of the ultrasound contrast agent, and sets, as a motion detection region, a region in which an amount of image change between the first image and the second image is smaller than a predetermined amount; and an output unit which outputs, as the ultrasound diagnostic image, the second image on which a position adjustment has been performed to match a position of the motion detection region set by the motion detection region setting unit and a position of a region included in the second image and similar in an image feature to the motion detection region.

04-11-2013

20150119708

DEVICES AND SYSTEMS FOR FLUORESCENCE IMAGING OF TISSUE - A system and method for fluorescence imaging of tissue in vivo and in situ, e.g., for minimally invasive diagnosis of patients. A fluorescent imaging system is provided that has a dye carrier coupled to the distal end of a probe containing a fiber optics bundle, which allows for the introduction of at least one fluorescent dye therein the dye carrier into a portion of the tissue of interest of a subject or patient when the dye carrier is selectively brought into contact with the portion of the tissue of interest. The resulting fluorescence images permit the acquisition of diagnostic information on the progression of diseases at cellular/tissue level in patients.

04-30-2015

20120016232

SURGICAL SYSTEM WITH CLIPS FOR IDENTIFYING THE ORIENTATION OF A TISSUE SAMPLE - A tissue marking system for use in marking a tissue sample comprises an ink-based applicator device and at least one tissue marking clip. The ink-based applicator device includes a container, a first number of ink reservoirs at least partially defined by the container, wherein each reservoir contains ink of a different color, a second number of applicators, wherein each applicator is configured to absorb a quantity of ink for application to the tissue sample, and a cover coupled to and cooperating with the container to fully enclose each of the first number of ink reservoirs. The at least one tissue marking clip includes an actuator portion movable between an actuated position and a non-actuated position, and a jaw portion coupled to the actuator portion and movable between an open position and a closed position in response to movement of the actuator portion between the actuated and non-actuated positions.

RADIOPAQUE MARKERS FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES - A radiopaque marker for inclusion within an implantable medical device (IMD) may comprise one or more radiopaque articles selected from a predetermined set of radiopaque articles. The one or more radiopaque articles may be carried by an object formed of or including, a desiccant. The predetermined set of radiopaque articles may undergo a single qualification process that approves the use of any combination of one or more of the articles as a radiopaque marker within an IMD. This allows a potentially-limitless number of markers to be made available based on a single qualification process. The radiopaque marker may serve to provide information such as the make, model, and feature set of the device.

03-15-2012

20120065502

System for controlled delivery of medical fluids - A system for controlled delivery of medical fluids to a patient includes an inlet conduit attached to a source of a medical fluid and an outlet conduit connected to the patient. The inlet and outlet conduits are interconnected by a multiple stage control valve assembly and a pair of syringes. The control valve assembly is alternated between a first state wherein the inlet conduit communicates with a first syringe for transmitting fluid from the source to the first syringe, a second state wherein the first syringe communicates with a second syringe and is isolated from the inlet conduit and the outlet for transmitting fluid from the first syringe to the second syringe, and a third state wherein the second syringe communicates with the outlet and is isolated from the inlet and the first syringe for transmitting fluid from the second syringe to the patient through the outlet.

03-15-2012

20120065500

RADIOPAQUE EMBEDDED INTO DESICCANT FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A molded desiccant article for placement in an implantable medical device includes an affixed radiopaque marker. The radiopaque marker may serve to provide information regarding the make and model of the device or may be used for purposes of determining whether the desiccant was placed in the device.

FLUORESCENT INDICATION CLIP FOR SURGERY - Provided is a fluorescent indication clip for surgery that has an improved function as a position indicator due to a photo-reactive fluorescent material included in the bio-clip, and allows people to rapidly and easily detect the accurate position of an internal operation region, and thus can improve operation accuracy and reduce side effects caused by excessive incision. The fluorescent indication clip includes a self-spreadable clip body, a fluorescent indicator prepared at the rear end of the clip body and including a photo-reactive fluorescent material, and a clamper configured to slide from a position at which the clamper is mounted on the fluorescent indicator to the clip body by an external force, and fasten the clip body to narrow front ends of the clip body.

12-30-2010

20120059257

Ingestible Event Markers Comprising an Ingestible Component - Ingestible event markers comprising an identifier and an ingestible component are provided. The ingestible component may vary, where ingestible components of interest include osmotic ingestible components, liquid capsules, tablets, multi-layered ingestible component and multi-compartment ingestible components. In some instances, the identifier is mechanically stably associated with the ingestible component. Also provided are systems that include the ingestible event markers, as well as methods of using the ingestible event markers.

03-08-2012

20120059255

CATHETER SYSTEMS - Catheter systems include direction-sensitive, multi-polar tip electrode assemblies for electroporation-mediated therapy, electroporation-induced primary necrosis therapy and electric field-induced apoptosis therapy, including configurations for producing narrow, linear lesions as well as distributed, wide area lesions. A monitoring system for electroporation therapy includes a mechanism for delivering electrochromic dyes to a tissue site as well as a fiber optic arrangement to optically monitor the progress of the therapy as well as to confirm success post-therapy. A fiber optic temperature sensing electrode catheter includes a tip electrode having a cavity whose inner surface is impregnated or coated with thermochromic/thermotropic material that changes color with changes in temperature. An optic fiber/detector arrangement monitors the thermochromic or thermotropic materials, acquiring a light signal and generating an output signal indicative of the spectrum of the light signal. An analyzer determines an electrode temperature based on the detector output and predetermined spectrum versus temperature calibration data.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE HANDLING OF A HAZARDOUS FLUID - An apparatus for the handling of hazardous fluids includes a collection vessel, a collection vessel connector, a dose control connector, a unit dose container, a delivery control connector, and a delivery site access device. The collection vessel contains the fluid prior to dispensing, the unit dose container contains a predetermined amount of the fluid for dispensing, the delivery site access device provides access to an intended delivery site, and the connector attaches pieces of the apparatus to one another. The method of the invention allows needle-free connections to be made for the apparatus, using a predetermined arrangement of the pieces of the apparatus, and in one embodiment, employs deformable elastomeric valves capable of creating a decreased pressure at a valve surface, so that upon closure of said valves, a fluid on the surface on the valves is withdrawn within the connector.

07-08-2010

20100174181

LIQUID INJECTOR, FLUOROSCOPIC IMAGING SYSTEM, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM - Once a patient ID and injection control data are input to a liquid injector and liquid injection is executed, the injection control data and injection history data are registered with the patient ID in a PACS. When the same patient is to undergo the second or subsequent liquid injection, the previous injection control data and injection history data are acquired by inputting the patient ID, and set as renewed injection control data. Such arrangement eliminates the need to input the same injection control data for the patient. Further, since the injection control data of each patient is registered and acquired utilizing the patient ID as index, erroneous setting of inappropriate injection control data can be automatically prevented, when the patient undergoes the injection. The liquid injector allows, therefore, easily setting the injection control data, and yet prevents liquid injection based on inappropriate injection control data.

07-08-2010

20130060135

INITIALIZATION OF FITTING PARAMETERS FOR PERFUSION ASSESSMENT BASED ON BOLUS ADMINISTRATION - An embodiment includes analyzing a body part perfused with a contrast agent, which has been pre-administered as a bolus to circulate through the body-part with at least a first passage during an analysis interval. The analyzing includes providing at least one input signal indicative of a response to an interrogation signal of a corresponding location of the body part during the analysis interval, and fitting each input signal over the analysis interval by an instance of a combined bolus function of time, based on a combination of a first simple bolus function of time modeling the first passage of the contrast agent and at least one second simple bolus function of time each one modeling a corresponding second passage of the contrast agent.

03-07-2013

20130060134

CZT SENSOR FOR TUMOR DETECTION AND TREATMENT - A tumor treatment apparatus may include an array of collimated CZT detectors configured to intersect a known coordinate and measure gamma radiation activity, for example at 511 keV. A radiation delivery system may be configured to direct radiation through the known coordinate on the basis of the gamma radiation activity. A translatable and rotatable table may be configured to support a tumor host, wherein the tumor is positionable relative to the known coordinate on the basis of the gamma radiation activity emitted by the tumor and measured by the array of collimated CZT detectors. Radiation from the radiation delivery system may be delivered to the tumor at the known coordinate, and may be delivered in an intra-operative surgical environment.

03-07-2013

20130012814

IMAGE DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME - An image diagnostic apparatus of an embodiment includes a density change acquisition unit, a trigger generating unit and a control unit. The density change acquisition unit is configured to acquire data corresponding to a temporal change in density of a contact agent injected into an object. The trigger generating unit is configured to generate a trigger when abnormal data has been detected by a first threshold processing of the data. The trigger is generated by a second threshold processing of data other than the abnormal data. The control unit is configured to perform a control of contrast imaging for the object based on the trigger.

THERMOACOUSTIC IMAGING WITH QUANTITATIVE EXTRACTION OF ABSORPTION MAP - A method of thermoacoustic imaging of an object includes providing thermoacoustic signals representing a mechanical wave response to a delivery of electromagnetic energy into the imaged object, reconstructing an energy deposition image representing a local energy absorption within the object based on the thermoacoustic signals, and decomposing the energy deposition image into a quantitative absorption image representing a distribution of a local absorption coefficient in the object and at least one further image component.

05-17-2012

20120123255

APPARATUS FOR IMPLANTING A PRELOADED LOCALIZATION WIRE - An apparatus for percutaneously implanting a localization wire into a tissue mass comprises a cannula with a preloaded localization wire having a distal end and at least one anchor. An actuator is in operable communication with the cannula and is configured for operation between a charged condition and a discharged condition to retract the cannula toward a retracted position to expose the distal end and the at least one anchor of the localization wire to the tissue mass, without inducing movement of the localization wire, and with the cannula being removable from the localization wire in its entirety.

05-17-2012

20140243664

Polymeric Nanoparticles for Ultrasound Imaging and Therapy - Provided herein are nanobubbles designed for use in ultrasound-mediated ablation of cancer cells. The nanobubbles undergo ultrasound-mediated cavitation at an ablation threshold which is significantly decreased, relative to standard ultrasound-mediated treatment of cancer cells. In exemplary embodiments, the nanobubbles comprise an amphiphilic ABC triblock copolymer, wherein block A comprises a hydrophilic polymer, block B comprises a crosslinking polymer, and block C comprises a hydrophobic copolymer comprising (i) methyl methacrylate (MMA) and (ii) a fluorinated monomer, wherein the fluorinated monomer is present in the hydrophobic copolymer of block C at 25 mole percent or less. Related treatment and diagnostic methods, as well as materials relating to the nanobubbles are provided herein. Methods of making a random copolymer are furthermore provided herein.

PATIENT MOUNTED MRI AND CT COMPATIBLE ROBOT FOR NEEDLE GUIDANCE IN INTERVENTIONAL PROCEDURES - A patient mountable robot includes a four link mechanism, three actuators, and a first robot base. The mechanism includes four links that form a closed loop structure. The four links include a base link that includes a spherical joint. The mechanism provides two rotational degrees of freedom about the spherical joint for a needle that is configured to pass through the spherical joint. A first actuator is attached to the mechanism and moves the mechanism to provide the first of the two rotational degrees of freedom. A second actuator is attached to the mechanism and moves the mechanism to provide the second of the two rotational degrees of freedom. The base link of the mechanism passes through the first robot base. A third actuator is attached to the first robot base and linearly translates the base link so that a translational degree of freedom is provided for the needle.

ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS - An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that performs high acoustic pressure and low acoustic pressure ultrasonic transmissions by switching at predetermined timing in the enhanced ultrasonography, and displays concurrently a replenishment image obtained through the low acoustic pressure transmission in real time like a moving picture, and a pre-flash image obtained through the low acoustic pressure transmission immediately before switching to the high acoustic pressure transmission like a still image to allow the operator to understand the structure at the level of capillaries. It is also possible to display a selected image obtained through the low acoustic pressure transmission at an arbitrary timing instead of the pre-flash image.

Assemblies for Identifying a Power Injectable Access Port - An assembly for identifying a power injectable vascular access port, including a vascular access port and an identification feature. The port is structured for power injection and includes a housing and a septum together defining a reservoir. A radiographic feature incorporated into the port is perceivable via x-ray following subcutaneous implantation, the radiographic feature identifying the port as suitable for flowing fluid at a fluid flow rate of at least 1 mL/sec therethrough. A structural feature of the port is perceivable via palpation following subcutaneous implantation, the structural feature identifying the port as suitable for accommodating a pressure within the reservoir of at least 35 psi. The identification feature is separated from the port and confirms that the port is both suitable for flowing fluid at a rate of at least 1 mL/sec therethrough and suitable for accommodating a pressure within the reservoir of at least 35 psi.

PREOPERATIVE IDENTIFICATION OF PERFORATOR VESSELS IN FLAPS TO BE USED IN RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY - A method is disclosed for preoperative identification of a perforator vessel in a flap to be used in reconstructive surgery. The tissue area suitable for a flap is identified by injecting a bolus of ICG into the bloodstream, illuminating the tissue area with excitation light and observing ICG fluorescence through the skin. The location of the perforator vessel in the tissue area is marked on the patient's skin. An incision is made in the tissue area and the flap is harvested only after a suitable perforator vessel has been identified.

10-23-2014

20100298698

TISSUE SITE MARKERS FOR IN VIVO IMAGING - The invention is directed biopsy site markers and methods of marking a biopsy site, so that the location of the biopsy cavity is readily visible by conventional imaging methods, particularly by ultrasonic imaging. The biopsy site markers of the invention have high ultrasound reflectivity, presenting a substantial acoustic signature from a small marker, so as to avoid obscuring diagnostic tissue features in subsequent imaging studies, and can be readily distinguished from biological features. The several disclosed embodiments of the biopsy site marker of the invention have a high contrast of acoustic impedance as placed in a tissue site, so as to efficiently reflect and scatter ultrasonic energy, and preferably include gas-filled internal pores. The markers may have a non-uniform surface contour to enhance the acoustic signature. The markers have a characteristic form which is recognizably artificial during medical imaging. The biopsy site marker may be accurately fixed to the biopsy site so as to resist migration from the biopsy cavity when a placement instrument is withdrawn, and when the marked tissue is subsequently moved or manipulated.

11-25-2010

20130012813

IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND X-RAY DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS - According to one embodiment, an image processing apparatus includes a storage unit, an image generation unit, and a display control unit. The storage unit stores the first X-ray fluoroscopy image with a cardiac tissue of an object being contrast-enhanced by a contrast medium and the second X-ray fluoroscopy image with a cardiac lumen of the object being contrast-enhanced by the contrast medium. The image generation unit generates an image by combining the first X-ray fluoroscopy image and the second X-ray fluoroscopy image which are stored in the storage unit. The display control unit causes a display unit to display the image generated by the image generation unit.

01-10-2013

20100274125

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DELIVERING ABLATIVE LASER ENERGY AND DETERMINING THE VOLUME OF TUMOR MASS DESTROYED - An apparatus and method for determining a volume of tissue mass destroyed. The present invention includes a temperature probe and a laser probe having a temperature sensor. The laser probe and temperature probe are inserted to measure a temperature of the tissue mass and a temperature of tissue mass surrounding the tissue mass. By determining the volume of tissue mass destroyed, a graphical representation of the volume of tissue mass destroyed is provided whereby real-time visual monitoring of the destruction of the tissue mass is achieved.

10-28-2010

20120259213

Method for Introducing Materials into a Body - The invention comprises a method for introduction of materials into a patient's body. The method generally comprises providing an elongate member for introducing the material. The elongate member defines a lumen and comprises a distal end defining an aperture and a proximal end. The method further comprises the steps of positioning the elongate member at a target site of a patient's body; providing a motorized device at least partially disposed within the lumen; and introducing the material through the lumen into the target site using the motorized device.

10-11-2012

20120220869

SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIA FOR HIGH FREQUENCY CONTRAST IMAGING AND IMAGE-GUIDED THERAPEUTICS - Systems, methods, and computer readable media for high-frequency contrast imaging and image-guided therapeutics are disclosed. According to one aspect a method for high frequency contrast imaging and image-guided therapeutics includes: providing ultrasound of a first frequency bandwidth, directed toward the volume to be imaged, the volume containing a carrier having non-linear acoustical properties, wherein the ultrasound of the first frequency bandwidth causes the carrier to generate ultrasound of a second frequency bandwidth that is different from the first frequency bandwidth; receiving, from the volume to be imaged, ultrasound of the second frequency bandwidth; and using the received ultrasound of the second frequency bandwidth to generate an image of the volume to be imaged, wherein the components of the second frequency bandwidth that are detected are of a frequency greater than 20 MHz. According to another aspect, ultrasound at a first frequency bandwidth enables imaging of a target, and ultrasound at a second frequency bandwidth mediates drug or gene delivery to a portion of the target, as guided by the image provided by the first frequency.

PHYSICS BASED IMAGE PROCESSING AND EVALUATION PROCESS OF PERFUSION IMAGES FROM RADIOLOGY IMAGING - A process and a system for assisting a clinician in identification and evaluation of perfusion characteristics of an organ are disclosed. The process and system may be used to extend clinical diagnosis capabilities by augmenting the ability to analyze perfusion images acquired from a radiology imaging modality through the use of the quantification technology as described. Classification of perfusion characteristics of a region of interest is facilitated through the use of a quantitative spatial perfusion characteristics map. The map is generated by a computing device which applies at least one physics-based image processing technique. This map is displayed on a clinician device for review by the clinician to assist in the spatial identification of perfusion abnormalities.

12-20-2012

20120323117

Implantable Medical Marker and Methods of Preparation Thereof - An implantable medical marker, the marker comprising a marker body adapted for insertion via a needle and adapted to define a volume with a smallest dimension larger than an inner diameter of the needle; and a radiation source—characterized by gamma emissions sufficient to exit the human body.

REDUCING RISK OF COMPLICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH TISSUE ABLATION - Methods and systems are described that reduce risks of hematologic, metabolic, and renal complications in a mammal, such as a human, undergoing tissue ablation. One such method includes inserting a probe into a mammal and ablating abnormal tissue in the mammal by emitting a first amount of energy from the probe. In some embodiments, after emitting the first amount of energy, a method can include denaturing proteins released from cells in the abnormal tissue by emitting a second amount of energy from at least one of the first probe or a second probe inserted into the mammal. Furthermore, some embodiments can be implemented such that during or after the emitting the energy from a probe, a composition is administered to the mammal in an effective amount to denature proteins released from cells in the abnormal tissue.

10-04-2012

20120253187

MAMMOGRAPHY INSTALLATION - A mammography installation or a mammography system allows x-ray projections of the breasts for at least one

10-04-2012

20120253190

CONTRAST-ENHANCED ULTRASOUND ASSESSMENT OF LIVER BLOOD FLOW FOR MONITORING LIVER THERAPY - A method for assessing a liver includes acquiring image information including contrast-enhanced ultrasound images of the liver. A location of the main hepatic artery (MHA) and a location of the main portal vein (MPV) of the liver are identified in at least one of the contrast-enhanced ultrasound images of the liver. Time-intensity information corresponding to perfusion of a contrast agent in the MHA and the MPV is obtained. A biomarker index value (BW) which is a function of the time-intensity information corresponding to the perfusion of contrast agent in the MHA and the time-intensity information corresponding to the perfusion of contrast agent in the MPV is determined.

10-04-2012

20120253189

CAVITY-FILLING BIOPSY SITE MARKERS - The invention provides materials, devices and methods for marking biopsy sites for a limited time. The biopsy-marking materials are ultrasound-detectable bio-resorbable powders, with powder particles typically between about 20 microns and about 800 microns in maximum dimension, more preferably between about 300 microns and about 500 microns. The powders may be formed of polymeric materials containing cavities sized between about 10 microns and about 500 microns, and may also contain binding agents, anesthetic agents, hemostatic agents, and radiopaque markers. Devices for delivering the powders include tubes configured to contain the powders and to fit within a biopsy cannula, the powders being ejected by action of a syringe. Systems may include a tube containing powder, and a syringe containing sterile saline. The tube may be configured to fit within a biopsy cannula such as a Mammotome® or SenoCor 360™ cannula.

10-04-2012

20140206992

METHOD FOR DIAGNOSING CANCER - Methods for identifying the presence of cancerous cells or tissue by: applying a compound of formula (I), or salts thereof, to a living body,

07-24-2014

20140206991

PREDICTION OF A LIKELY CONTRAST MEDIUM BEHAVIOR - A method is disclosed for the prediction of a likely contrast medium behavior for a contrast medium-assisted examination of an object under investigation. In an embodiment, the method includes detecting patient-specific blood flow behavior data in a pre-measurement making use of a defined examination protocol and determining an individual impulse response function from the blood flow behavior data; detecting a pre-measured heart rate signal associated with the pre-measurement; and predicting the likely contrast medium behavior based on the individual impulse response function, the pre-measured heart rate signal and a current examination protocol, and a currently detected heart rate signal. A method for activation of a medical imaging system is also disclosed. Also disclosed are a device for predicting a likely contrast medium behavior, a control device with a device of this type for an imaging system, and an imaging system with a control device.

07-24-2014

20130165774

OROGASTRIC CATHETER FOR LONGITUDINAL GASTRECTOMY - The invention relates to an orogastric catheter for a longitudinal gastrectomy. The object of the invention is to make available an orogastric catheter that represents an advantageous alternative to the poorly suited catheters used today and that facilitates the work of the surgeon. This novel orogastric catheter is characterized in that this distal part carries a balloon (

06-27-2013

20120259212

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ULTRASOUND IMAGING WITH CONTRAST AGENTS - Apparatus and method for detecting ultrasound images from a body under examination. The apparatus comprises a unit emitting ultrasound pulses and a unit receiving ultrasound pulses. The emitting unit and the receiving unit face each other and are spaced apart by a predetermined distance. These units are arranged at opposite sides of a cavity housing the body under examination. The ultrasound pulses emitted from the emitting unit are received by the receiving unit after passing through the body under examination and are transformed into transmission signals. Included is a control unit for the emitting unit, a unit processing the received signals, image generating device and image displaying device. The processing unit comprises a unit comparing the values of a propagation speed of ultrasound pulses and/or of the attenuation of ultrasound pulses with predetermined threshold values.

10-11-2012

20120232383

DEVICE FOR INJECTING CONTRAST MEDIA - The invention relates to a medical device for injecting contrast media including at least two separate vessels and immiscible contents inside one and/or both of the vessels, an injector and a distributor arranged such as to establish alternating communication between said vessels and said injector, said medical device being characterised in that it includes a means for providing said alternating communication at a frequency of 0.2 to 5 Hz.

09-13-2012

20120265064

NEEDLE ARRAY ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR DELIVERING THERAPEUTIC AGENTS - A fluid delivery device includes an array of needles, each in fluid communication with a respective reservoir. Respective actuators are coupled so as to be operable to drive fluid from the reservoirs via needle ports. Each needle can have a plurality of ports, and the ports can be arranged to deliver a substantially equal amount of fluid at any given location along its length. A driver is coupled to the actuators to selectively control the rate, volume, and direction of flow of liquid through the needles. The device can simultaneously deliver a plurality of fluid agents along respective axes in solid tissue in vivo. If thereafter resected, the tissue can be sectioned for evaluation of an effect of each agent on the tissue, and based on the evaluation, candidate agents selected or deselected for clinical trials or therapy, and subjects selected or deselected for clinical trials or therapeutic treatment.

10-18-2012

20120330153

SUBCUTANEOUS CAVITY MARKING DEVICE AND METHOD - These are subcutaneous cavity marking devices and methods. More particularly, upon insertion into a body, the cavity marking device and method enable one to determine the center, orientation, and periphery of the cavity by radiographic, mammographic, echogenic, or other non-invasive imaging techniques. Also, the device contains a bioabsorbable or non-bioabsorbable marker. The device may be combined with various substances enhancing the radiopaque, mammographic, or echogenic characteristics of the marker or the body allowing it to be observed by any non-invasive imaging techniques. This is further a method of marking a subcutaneous cavity using a bioabsorbable material and a bioabsorbable or non-bioabsorbable marker in conjunction with the material. The method also may combine any of the features as described with the device.

12-27-2012

20120203102

AZULENE AND AZAAZULENE SYSTEMS FOR IMAGING, MONITORING AND THERAPY - This invention is directed to non-benzenoid aromatic compounds. Other aspects include methods of using non-benzenoid aromatic compounds for imaging and phototherapeutic uses thereof. Non-benzenoid compounds provided herein generally have one or more substituent groups which allow tailoring of the spectral properties or provide photoreactivity or targeting ability.

08-09-2012

20090018438

Image Derived Input Function For PET Lung Assessment - An input function indicative of a time-activity curve in pulmonary arterial plasma is produced from a series of PET image frames in lieu of manual blood sampling. Two manually acquired blood samples are input along with pixel values of a blood pool region of interest (ROI) in the PET image frames into a two-parameter model of the ROI's time-activity curve. In an iterative process the model converges to accurately indicate the amount of

01-15-2009

20110237943

FIBROUS MARKER AND INTRACORPOREAL DELIVERY THEREOF - An intracorporeal marker includes a fibrous unitary marker body having bioabsorbable fibers compressed into a compressed configuration, and bound in the compressed configuration by a polymer binding agent. The intracorporeal marker may be incorporated into an intracorporeal marker delivery device having a delivery cannula which has a distal tip, an inner lumen and a discharge opening in communication with the inner lumen. The compression and binding occur prior to insertion of the fibrous unitary marker body into the inner lumen of the delivery cannula. The fibrous unitary marker body is slidably disposed within and pushable through the inner lumen of the elongated delivery cannula proximal to the discharge opening.

09-29-2011

20110237942

BIOIMAGING METHOD USING NEAR-INFRARED (NIR) FLUORESCENT MATERIAL - This invention provides a novel bioimaging technique that can achieve a deep observation depth and a novel method for marking a lesion that allows clear recognition of the lesion from outside a living body. This invention also provides a bioimaging marker comprising a fluorescent material obtained by doping a ceramic with rare earths and the like and a bioimaging technique comprising detecting near-infrared fluorescence that can sufficiently penetrate a living body generated upon excitation of the marker with near-infrared excitation light.

09-29-2011

20150126862

Angiographic Examination Method for the Detection of Microembolizations - An angiographic examination method for performing a subtraction angiography for the detection of microembolizations includes capturing at least one pre-operative pre-contrast image and at least one pre-operative post-contrast image having a vascular tree filled with contrast medium. The method also includes subtracting the pre-contrast image and the post-contrast image in order to produce a pre-operative subtraction image. The method includes capturing at least one post-operative post-contrast image having a vascular tree filled with contrast medium, and subtracting a pre-contrast image and the post-operative post-contrast image in order to produce a post-operative subtraction image. The method also includes subtracting the pre-operative subtraction image and the post-operative subtraction image in order to produce a third subtraction image, and reproducing the third subtraction image.

05-07-2015

20130289399

DECOMPRESSION SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME - A method for treating spinal nerve compression includes positioning a media delivery device between a first vertebra and a second vertebra. A visualization media can be delivered from an outlet of the media delivery device while the outlet to the media delivery device is positioned outside of an epidural sac of the subject. The media delivery device can be spaced apart from a portion of the epidural sac between a spinal cord and a ligamentum flavum. A series of instruments can be used to perform a decompression procedure on the subject.

10-31-2013

20140128732

BIOPSY AND SONOGRAPHY METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ASSESSING BODILY CAVITIES - Apparatuses and methods for performing a procedure on a uterine cavity of a patient are disclosed. The methods can include visualizing the uterine cavity, biopsying a tissue with a biopsy device, and ejecting fluid from the biopsying device into the uterine cavity. The apparatuses can have a sealable acorn tip, a handle, a repositioning clip, a distal indicia, proximal indicia, and a fluid reservoir. The biopsying device can be configured to biopsy and eject fluid under the control of a single hand of a user of the device.

05-08-2014

20120330152

FLUID MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - The fluid management system according to the invention is adapted to automatically supply fluid for injection into a patient. The fluid management system comprises a fluid management device, a fluid transfer system and a fluid injector. The fluid management device serves to store and administrate multi dose containers. The fluid transfer system connects the outlet of the containers stored within the fluid management device to the injector and the injector withdraws the fluid via fluid transfer system from the containers and injects the fluid to an administration device at the patient. The fluid management device comprises at least one rotating carousel with the axis of rotation being vertically, at least two container holders attached to the rotating carousel, said container holders being adapted to position a container vertically with the open end of the neck facing downwards and a spike holder mounted below the rotating carousel and oriented such that the spike holder would axially align a spike connected to the spike holder with the axis of the container that is to be spiked and loaded into the container holder.

12-27-2012

20110319753

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMAGING SINUSES - Systems, devices, and methods for imaging a sinus in a patient involving a through sinus are presented. In one instance, a system includes a radiopaque wound filler for disposing into the through sinus. The system further includes a radiopaque solution for deploying into the sinus, and a radiopaque solution unit having a radiopaque solution reservoir and a positive pressure source. Other systems, devices, and methods are presented.

12-29-2011

20130006106

System and Method for Controlling Focused Ultrasound Treatment - A system and method for controlling the delivery of ultrasound energy to a subject is provided. In particular, such a system and method are capable of safely disrupting the blood-brain barrier. Ultrasound energy is delivered to produce cavitation of an ultrasound contrast agent at a selected pressure value. An acoustic signal is acquired following cavitation, from which a signal spectrum is produced. The signal spectrum is analyzed for the presence of harmonics, such as subharmonics or ultraharmonics. When subharmonics or ultraharmonics are present, the pressure value is decreased for subsequent sonications. If a previous sonication resulted in no subharmonics or ultraharmonics being generated, then the pressure value may be increased. In this manner, the blood-brain barrier can be advantageously disrupted while mitigating potentially injurious effects of the sonication.

01-03-2013

20120302881

NOVEL INDOCYANINE COMPOUND, SYNTHESIS METHOD AND PURIFICATION METHOD THEREOF, DIAGNOSTIC COMPOSITION USING THE INDOCYANINE COMPOUND, AND DEVICE FOR MEASURING BIOKINETICS AND DEVICE FOR VISUALIZING CIRCULATION USING THE DIAGNOSTIC COMPOSITION - The present invention aims at providing a novel indocyanine compound solving problems of conventionally used indocyanine green, such as solubility in water or physiological saline, a synthesis method and a purification method thereof, and a diagnostic composition including the novel indocyanine compound. Further, provided are a method for evaluating biokinetics of the novel indocyanine compound and a device for measuring biokinetics, and a method and a device for visualizing circulation of fluid such as blood in a living body, which utilize the diagnostic composition. Also, found are a novel indocyanine compound in which a hydrophobic moiety in a near-infrared fluorescent indocyanine molecule is included in a cavity of a cyclic sugar chain cyclodextrin to cover the hydrophobic moiety in the indocyanine molecule with the glucose, and a synthesis method and a purification method thereof. Furthermore, found are a method for fluorescence-imaging an organ other than liver by intravenous administration, a method for evaluating biokinetics of the novel indocyanine compound, a device for measuring biokinetics, and a method and a device for visualizing circulation of fluid such as blood in a living body, utilizing the diagnostic composition including the novel indocyanine compound.

11-29-2012

20100179422

Dual Modality Imaging Of Tissue Using A Radionuclide - A method for imaging a subject includes injecting the subject with a single dose of a radionuclide and acquiring, with a molecular breast imaging (MBI) system, a first set of medical image data of a breast of the subject after injection of the single dose of a radionuclide. The method also includes acquiring, with a myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) system, a second set of medical image data of a portion of a cardiovascular system of the subject after the single dose of a radionuclide and reconstructing the first set of medical image data into a medical image of the breast of the subject and reconstructing the second set of medical image data into a medical image of the portion of the cardiovascular system of the subject.

07-15-2010

20130006108

ULTRASOUND APPARATUS AND ULTRASOUND APPARATUS CONTROLLING METHOD AND NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM - An ultrasound apparatus according to the present embodiments includes a receiving unit and a probe controlling unit. The receiving unit receives settings in relation to the aperture of the ultrasound probe and the region of interest of the subject with a contrast agent injected. The probe controlling unit controls the ultrasound probe based on the settings received by the receiving unit in such a manner as to transmit an ultrasound wave from the vibrator arranged in the aperture to the region of interest.

01-03-2013

20130012815

MEDICAL APPARATUS - A medical apparatus includes a storing section in which information concerning a drug movement in a living body is stored for each of types of a plurality of fluorescent drugs, an arithmetic processing section that acquires, based on the information stored in the storing section, information concerning a target region to which a fluorescent drug is administered, information concerning a method of administering the fluorescent drug to the target region, and information indicating start of administration of the fluorescent drug, information concerning diagnosis start timing, an image pickup section, a position information acquiring section that acquires position information of the image pickup section, and a light source control section that stops, at least from the administration start timing to the diagnosis start timing, irradiation of excitation light and irradiates the excitation light based on the diagnosis start timing and the position information.

01-10-2013

20130012812

FUNCTIONAL AND PHYSICAL IMAGING BY SPECTROSCOPIC DETECTION OF PHOTO ABSORPTION OF PHOTONS AND SCATTERED PHOTONS FROM RADIOACTIVE SOURCES OR DIFFRACTED X-RAY SYSTEMS - An apparatus to examine a target volume in a patient includes an x-ray source generating a first x-ray beam targeting the target volume, and a detector which is placed at an angle less than 180 degrees relative to a beam path of the first x-ray beam to receive a second x-ray beam generated from the first x-ray beam interacting with the target volume. A method to image a target volume in a patient includes directing a first x-ray beam generated from an x-ray source at the target volume, wherein a second x-ray beam is generated by an interaction of the first x-ray beam with the target volume, detecting the second x-ray beam using a detector that is placed at less than 180 degrees relative to a path of the first x-ray beam, and obtaining spatial and temporal information of the target volume using the detected second x-ray beam.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REAL-TIME, TRANSCRANIAL MONITORING OF BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER OPENING - Systems and techniques for real-time, transcranial monitoring of safe blood-brain barrier opening include determining an approach angle for targeted blood-brain barrier opening proximate a predetermined region in a brain of a patient, and positioning an ultrasound transducer to generate a focused ultrasound signal at the determined approach angle to the predetermined region in the brain.

03-05-2015

20090209852

Systems and Methods for Treating a Patient Using Guided Radiation Therapy or Surgery - Systems and methods for locating and tracking a target, i.e., measuring the position and/or rotation of a target during setup and treatment of a patient in guided radiation therapy applications for the head and neck. One embodiment is directed toward a device having a body and markers, such as excitable transponders and/or radiographic fiducials, fixable in or on the body for localizing the body. For example, the body can be a mouthpiece body having a channel configured to receive a patient's teeth such that the mouthpiece is repeatedly and consistently placed in the same relative position in the patient when the patient bites down on the mouthpiece. The transponders can be alternating magnetic transponders and the fiducials can be gold seeds. Other embodiments include a device having a two-piece body, a first piece of the body having excitable transponders and a second piece of the body having radiographic fiducials.

08-20-2009

20150126860

ASSOCIATING CORONARY ANGIOGRAPHY IMAGE ANNOTATIONS WITH SYNTAX SCORES FOR ASSESSMENT OF CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE - Embodiments relate to associating coronary angiography image annotations with SYNTAX score for assessment of coronary artery disease. Aspects include receiving and processing a plurality of angiogram videos from a coronary angiography study into a plurality of frames, selecting and displaying a key frame from the plurality of frames for each angiogram video in a browsing interface, and receiving a selection of one of the key frame from a user. Aspects further include displaying the angiogram video associated with the selected key frame in a video viewer interface, receiving a lesion annotation from the user for a frame of the angiogram video, and displaying a SYNTAX score questionnaire in the video viewer interface. Aspects further include annotating the frame of the angiogram video with the answers to the SYNTAX score questionnaire from the user and saving the answers to the SYNTAX score questionnaire with the annotated frame in a database.

05-07-2015

20150126861

WEARABLE ULTRASONIC DEVICE FOR CIRCULATING TUMOR CELL DETECTION - An apparatus for detecting circulating tumor cells is provided. A support system for mounting on a patient is provided. An imaging system is attached to the support system. The imaging system comprises a transmitter and receiver system for generating and transmitting signals into the patient and receiving signals from the patient and a controller. The controller comprises a processor and computer readable media. The computer readable media comprises computer readable code for transmitting signals into the patient, computer readable code for receiving signals from the patent, and computer readable code for providing in vivo circulating tumor cell imaging agent data from the received signals from the patient.

05-07-2015

20110245662

Hemodynamic Detection of Circulatory Anomalies - The invention generally relates to a system, method and apparatus for detection of circulatory anomalies in the mammalian body. Particularly, apparatus is provided that allows the clinician to quantitatively determine the extent of any anomalies in the pulmonary circulation. Specifically a quantifiable agent is injected into a peripheral location, and the transit of the indicator agent is monitored. Aberrant circulation is them quantified. The preferred indicator is an injection of indocyanine green dye, detected and measured by fluorescence at a sensor location, for example, at the human ear. Quantification is carried out by using cardiac output procedures and alternatively, the use of Valsalva Maneuver is monitored at a monitor/controller providing visual cues to the patient and operator.

PORPHYRIN NANOVESICLES - The application relates to a nanovesicle comprising a bilayer of at least 15 mol % porphyrin-phospholipid conjugate, wherein the conjugate comprises a porphyrin, porphyrin derivative or porphyrin analog covalently attached to the phospholipid side chain. The nanovesicle can be used for photothermal therapy, photoacoustic imaging, and fluorescence imaging. The application also discloses a method of preparing the said nanovesicle.

10-04-2012

20130345560

QUANTIFICATION AND ANALYSIS OF ANGIOGRAPHY AND PERFUSION - A method to visualize, display, analyze and quantify angiography, perfusion, and the change in angiography and perfusion in real time, is provided. This method captures image data sequences from indocyanine green near infra-red fluorescence imaging used in a variety of surgical procedure applications, where angiography and perfusion are critical for intraoperative decisions.

12-26-2013

20130218010

PORTABLE PET SCANNER FOR IMAGING THE HUMAN BRAIN - In accordance with at least one disclosed embodiment, an apparatus for use in imaging the human brain by describing the distribution of radiotracers in the human brain is provided. The apparatus may be compact and lightweight enough to be lifted by hand (less than 50 pounds) and affixed to a patient bed. In addition, the apparatus may collect images of both the cerebrum and cerebellum of the patient.

08-22-2013

20130131506

INTRAVENOUS INFILTRATION DETECTION - A process and apparatus system for detecting an intravenous infiltration. A separate infiltration detecting solution containing an intravenously administerable infiltration indicator is intravenously administered singly or on a periodic basis and a qualitative and/or quantitative assessment of the indicator in tissue proximate and/or distal to the site of intravenous administration of a biological fluid is carried out.

05-23-2013

20140276035

System and Method for Evaluation of Disease Burden - A sensitive method of assessing treatment using molecular and anatomical imaging scans provides automatic tumor identification and quantification within anatomical zones based on treatment criteria. Absolute or comparative measures of tumors in pre- and/or post-scans are thereby isolated from other tissue to accentuate the progress of the treatment when multiple scattered disease lesions are present.

09-18-2014

20140276033

MICROWAVE ENERGY-DEVICE AND SYSTEM - An ablation system including an image database storing a plurality of computed tomography (CT) images of a luminal network and a navigation system enabling, in combination with an endoscope and the CT images, navigation of a locatable guide and an extended working channel to a point of interest. The system further includes one or more fiducial markers, placed in proximity to the point of interest and a percutaneous microwave ablation device for applying energy to the point of interest.

ULTRASONIC WAVE IRRADIATION DEVICE - Disclosed is an ultrasonic wave irradiation device usable for the application of a phase change type ultrasonic wave contrast medium, in which any interference between ultrasonic wave irradiation for the phase change application and ultrasonic wave irradiation for treatment application does not occur. An ultrasonic wave with a high frequency and a large magnitude of the maximum negative pressure is used for the phase change application, and an ultrasonic wave with a lower frequency and a large magnitude of the maximum positive pressure is used for the treatment application.

MULTIFUNCTIONAL NANOMATERIALS FOR THE TREATMENT OF CANCER - The invention relates to a multifunctional nanomaterial comprising a nanorod comprising 1) a noble metal, wherein the nanorod exhibits surface plasmon resonance absorption in the near-infrared spectrum; 2) an up-conversion phosphor that absorbs infrared light and emits visible luminescence; and optionally 3) a biomolecule targeting moiety. The invention further relates to methods of detecting and treating cancer using the multifunctional nanomaterials of the invention.

12-25-2014

20080200804

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INFUSING SUBSTANCES - A method for determining a backflow of a substance along a track of a delivery device includes: a) obtaining parameters that influence the flow of the fluid or substance; b) acquiring information about delivery data; and c) computing the backflow along the delivery device using the information in steps a) and b).

08-21-2008

20100204572

Devices, Systems and Methods for Determination of Parameters for a Procedure, for Estimation of Cardiopulmonary Function and for Fluid Delivery - A method of determining at least one parameter for an imaging procedure including the injection of a contrast enhancement fluid which includes a contrast enhancing agent, includes: substituting into a model discrete point data determined from at least one contrast time enhancement curve measured using an imaging system for a first region of interest resulting from injection of a bolus of the contrast enhancement fluid. In several embodiments, a sufficient number of data points can be substituted into the model to determine values for physiological variables in the model. The variables can, for example, be related to cardiopulmonary function. At least one data point from at least a second contrast time enhancement curve for a second region of interest measured using the imaging system can also substituted into the model.

08-12-2010

20100286511

METHOD FOR DISPLAYING IMAGE DATA OF A PART OF A PATIENT'S BODY - The invention relates to a method for displaying image data of a part of a patient's body, in which the part of the patient's body comprising regions which are provided with a radiation-emitting contrast agent is detected in a first step by means of a detection device, wherein during the first step, the intensity of the radiation emitted by the regions provided with the contrast agent is higher than the intensity of other radiation which can be detected by the detection device and which is emitted by the detected part of the patient's body, wherein a patient image data set is produced on the basis of the detected radiation, and wherein the patient image data set is displayed to a user by means of an output device in a second step. The invention also relates to a device for displaying image data of a part of a patient's body, comprising: a detection device which comprises at least one camera for detecting radiation emitted by regions of the part of the patient's body which are provided with a radiation-emitting contrast agent; a computational unit which produces a patient image data set on the basis of the images detected by the detection device; and an output device for displaying the patient image data set produced.

11-11-2010

20150073273

FLUORESCENCE DETECTION DEVICE - A fluorescence detection device comprises: a plurality of light sources that apply an excitation light from an outside of a living body toward fluorescent dye previously injected into the living body; and a plurality of detectors that detect fluorescence emitted from the fluorescent dye by the excitation light, and output the detected fluorescence as an electric signal. The plurality of light sources and the plurality of detectors are arranged in at least one line. At least one detector is placed between two light sources, and at least one light source is placed between two detectors.

03-12-2015

20110275934

SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO OBTAIN A MYOCARDIAL MASS INDEX INDICATIVE OF AN AT-RISK MYOCARDIAL REGION - Systems and methods to obtain a myocardial mass index indicative of an at-risk myocardial region. In at least one embodiment, a method for diagnosing a risk of cardiac disease is provided, the method comprising the steps of identifying a luminal cross-sectional area of a side branch vessel, identifying a luminal cross-sectional area of a main artery most proximal to the side branch vessel, determining a myocardial region at risk for infarct from side branch occlusion relative to a mass perfused by the most proximal artery, wherein such region is based on a relationship between the cross-sectional areas of the side branch and the most proximal main artery, and diagnosing a risk of cardiac disease based on a diameter of the side branch and the size of the myocardial region at risk for infarct perfused by the side branch.

11-10-2011

20120136244

PHYSIOLOGICAL SENSOR DELIVERY DEVICE AND METHOD - An intravascular sensor delivery device for measuring a physiological parameter of a patient, such as blood pressure, within a vascular structure or passage. In some embodiments, the device can be used to measure the pressure gradient across a stenotic lesion or heart valve. For example, such a device may be used to measure fractional flow reserve (FFR) across a stenotic lesion in order to assess the severity of the lesion. The sensor delivery device has a distal sleeve configured to pass or slide over a standard medical guidewire. Some distance back from the sensor and distal sleeve, the device separates from the guidewire to permit independent control of the sensor delivery device and the guidewire. The sensor delivery device can be sized to pass over different sizes of guidewires to enable usage in coronary and peripheral arteries, for example. The sensing mechanism (sensor) can be a fiber optic pressure sensor, such as a MEMS-based Fabry-Perot fiber optic pressure sensor, for example, or could employ some other technology, e.g., MEMS capacitive or piezoresistive sensor.

NON-LINEAR ECHOGENIC MARKERS - Medical devices include echogenic subregions and echolucent subregions arranged in an alternating pattern and having exogenous features. Examples include metal printing and cast metal being applied to a plastic structure. Other examples include a fluid contrast agent including microbubbles housed in compartments within a structure. Additional examples include small resonators built into a structure for resonating at a specific frequency and imageable with a harmonic imaging mode of an ultrasound imaging system.

08-07-2014

20130085385

SURGICAL LIGHTING SOURCES FOR USE WITH FLUOPHORE-TAGGED MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES OR FLUOROPHORE-TAGGED TUMOR AVID COMPOUNDS - The present invention describes light source devices to provide white and blue (401-510 nm) light for the in vivo identification of diseased tissue using fluorescence based tissue targeting. The light source devices are configured with a variety of LED lights capable of emitting white and blue light with at least one excitation wavelength in the range from about 401 nm to about 500 nm (for example, 470 nm to 495 nm) to irradiate an in vivo body part of a subject containing tumor or diseased tissue. The tumor or diseased tissue has fluorophore-tagged targeting constructs attached. The fluorophores used in the targeting constructs have emission spectra greater than 515 nm. The fluorescence emanating from the fluorescent targeting construct in response to the excitation wavelength is directly viewed with long-pass filtered (515 nm) lenses and is used to determine the location and/or surface area of the diseased tissue in the subject. Fluorescence based surgical identification provides more accurate disease resection.

Venous Access Port with Molded and/or Radiopaque Indicia - A venous access port assembly having a housing base, a flange, and a septum. The housing base defines an interior reservoir. The flange includes integrally molded X-ray discernable indicia identifying that the assembly is rated for power injection. The X-ray discernable indicia may extend through a height of the flange from a top surface to a bottom surface of the flange. According to one aspect, the flange may be formed from X-ray discernable material, and the X-ray discernable indicia may be formed from the X-ray discernable material of the flange, or they may be formed by voids in the X-ray discernable material. According to another aspect, the flange may be formed from a radiotransparent or radiolucent material and applied with a radiopaque agent, and the X-ray discernable indicia may be one or more voids in the radiopaque agent or may be portions of the flange applied with the radiopaque agent.

11-08-2012

20140276037

BIOPSY SITE MARKER APPLIER - A marker delivery device comprises a marker deployer cannula, a push rod, a biopsy site marker, and a ramped tip. The marker deployer cannula may have a marker exit in communication with an interior lumen of the cannula. The marker exit may comprise a distal end with a ramped surface. The biopsy site marker may be configured with a plurality of edges. The plurality of edges may be configured to engage at least a portion of the interior lumen of the cannula. The ramped tip may comprise a first ramped surface and a second ramped surface, the second ramped surface may align with the ramped surface of the distal end of the marker exit. The push rod may be used to push the biopsy site marker up the ramped tip and through the marker exit.

09-18-2014

20090247865

DRIP CHAMBER AND FLUID LEVEL SENSING MECHANISM FOR A FLUID DELIVERY SYSTEM - The fluid injector system includes a source of injection fluid, a pump device, a fluid control device operably associated with the pump device, and a fluid path set in fluid connection with the source of injection fluid and the pump device. The fluid path set includes a drip chamber including an elongated body having a top end, a bottom end and a raised projection, the raised projection being substantially rectangular in shape and extending longitudinally from the top end along the drip chamber body and terminating adjacent to the bottom end. A fluid level sensing mechanism is operably associated with the fluid control device, and includes a drip chamber support for supporting the drip chamber body and a fluid level sensor associated with the drip chamber support. The drip chamber support is adapted to support the drip chamber body such that the raised projection is in operational contact with the fluid level sensor and the fluid level sensing mechanism is operable to transmit ultrasonic or light energy through the raised projection to be sensed by the fluid level sensor for sensing the injection fluid level in the drip chamber.

10-01-2009

20120283559

APPARATUS AND METHOD TO CONVEY A FLUID - An apparatus includes a fluid path, a coupling, and a nozzle. The fluid path is to carry a fluid including one or more microparticles. The coupling is located in the fluid path. The nozzle is located in the fluid path to move the fluid through a stagnant region located near the coupling.

11-08-2012

20110313286

SUBXYPHOID EPICARDIAL ABLATION - Methods and devices described herein facilitate ablation patterns on the heart within a pericardial sac and without opening or deflating the lungs.

12-22-2011

20140276036

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DIAGNOSING CORONARY MICROVASCULAR DISEASE - The invention provides systems and methods for assessing the vasculature of a subject. In certain aspects, systems and methods of the invention involve receiving functional flow data of a subject via a data collector co-located with a radiopaque label, receiving imaging data of the vasculature including the radiopaque label, generating a vasculature map corresponding to the functional flow data, and displaying the vasculature map image on a monitor.

09-18-2014

20120215099

Methods and Apparatus for Endovascular Ultrasound Delivery - Apparatus and methods are disclosed for endovascular ultrasound delivery to treat stenosis and inhibit restenosis, including delivery of therapeutic agents into the vessel wall. In some embodiments, delivery of therapeutic agent may be combined with angioplasty techniques and with blood flow protection devices. In other embodiments, treatment of endovascular stenosis or restenosis may be achieved without the use of ultrasound energy, and without performing an interventional procedure. In some other embodiments, a therapeutic agent may be removed from the body after exposure to the vessel wall to minimize a systemic effect of the therapeutic drug.

08-23-2012

20140114186

MARKER OR FILLER FORMING FLUID - A system for at least partially filling and marking a cavity within a patient includes a delivery device. A quantity of marker forming fluid is located within the delivery device. The quantity of marker forming fluid is configured to at least partially fill the cavity and form therein a bioabsorbable body after delivery into the cavity from the delivery device. A radiopaque marker, separate from the quantity of marker forming fluid and releasably attached to a portion of the delivery device, is configured to be delivered into the quantity of marker forming fluid in the cavity from the delivery device and configured to remain in the bioabsorbable body upon the formation of the bioabsorbable body in the cavity.

04-24-2014

20140114185

DETERMINING A CHARACTERISTIC OF A LUMEN BY MEASURING TEMPORAL CHANGES IN CONTRAST AGENT DENSITY - Apparatus and methods for use with a set of angiographic images of a lumen of a subject's body are described. Temporal changes in a density of a contrast agent at a given location within the lumen are analyzed via image processing. In response to the analysis, a characteristic of the lumen at the location is determined, and, in response thereto, an output is generated. Other applications are also described.

COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY (CT) FLUOROSCOPY IMAGING SYSTEM USING A STANDARD INTENSITY CT SCAN WITH REDUCED INTENSITY CT SCAN OVERLAYS - A method for providing CT fluoroscopy of an internal procedure site during a medical procedure so as to visualize patient anatomy and a high-contrast medical element during the procedure without subjecting the patient to unacceptable quantities of X-ray radiation, comprising: (1) taking a standard intensity CT scan of the internal procedure site; (2) taking a reduced intensity CT scan of the procedure site while the high-contrast medical element is inserted into the procedure site; (3) extracting the high-contrast medical element portion of the reduced intensity CT scan from the reduced intensity CT scan; (4) merging the high-contrast medical element portion of the reduced intensity CT scan extracted in Step 3 with the standard intensity CT scan of the procedure site taken in Step 1 so as to provide a composite CT scan; (5) displaying the composite CT scan; and (6) returning to either Step 1 or Step 2.

04-24-2014

20130006107

LIQUID DISPENSING CIRCUIT - A liquid dispensing circuit is provided with: a multi-way cock; a first line; a second line; a third line; a fourth line; a fifth line; and a casing which houses some of the above. When a cock in the multi-way cock is situated in a priming position, a distal opening in a second part of a first flow channel communicates with a first port, and a distal opening in a third part communicates with a second port; thus, the first port and the second port are in an open state wherein the ports are connected to each other via the first flow channel, whereas a third port, a fourth port, and a sixth port are in an open state wherein the ports are connected to one another via a second flow channel.

POWERHEAD OF A POWER INJECTION SYSTEM - A contrast media injection system includes detects the absolute position of the syringe ram using a non-contact sensor. A series of magnets and Hall-Effect sensors may be used or an opto-reflective system. Illuminated knobs that are connected to the drive mechanism for the syringe ram rotate with the drive and provide visual feedback on operation through the illumination. Analog Hall-Effect sensors are used to determine the presence or absence of magnets that identify the type of faceplate being used. The faceplates include control electronics, connected to the powerhead through connectors, which may be interchangeably used by the two faceplates. The faceplate electronics include detectors for automatically detecting the capacity of pre-filled syringes. Additional features include using historical data to provide optimum pressure limit values during an injection protocol, a removable memory device for storing and transferring information such as injection protocols and injector statistics, and password protection of such protocols.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING TIME BASED PHOTO ACTIVE AGENT DELIVERY OR PHOTO ACTIVE MARKER PRESENCE - Devices and approaches for monitoring time based photo active agent delivery or photo active marker presence in an eye. A monitoring system is provided for measuring the presence of a photo active marker by illuminating the eye so as to excite the photo-active marker and then observing characteristic emission from the photo active marker. Example systems incorporate Scheimpflug optical systems or slit lamp optical systems to observe cross sectional images of an eye to monitor instantaneous distribution, diffusion pattern, and rate of uptake of a photo active agent applied to an eye. Systems and methods further allow for utilizing the monitored distribution of photo active agent in the eye as feedback for a cross-linking system.

12-06-2012

20130165771

USE OF FITC-DEXTRAN AS DYE FOR FUNDUS ANGIOGRAPHY AND METHODS THEREOF - A novel fundus angiographic application and method using fluorescein isothiocyanate dextrans (FITC-dextran) as fluorescence angiographic dye for diagnosis and evaluation of eye diseases on humans is disclosed. The method involves the process of constitution of FITC-dextran solution and intravenous injection of the said solution, followed by observation and photography of ocular fundus circulation using a fluorescence fundus camera with an image system. The invention offers improved fundus angiograms over the traditional Na-fluorescein fundus angiography (Na-fluorescein) and indocyanine green fundus angiography (ICG) with the advantages of higher clarity and higher resolution; capable of visualizing both the retinal and the choroidal circulations systems simultaneously; providing longer fundus image duration so that it can be used as a directly mapping guidance in retinal surgery or to complete the angiograms for both eyes by a single process; providing more information about the pathological changes occurred among retinal, sub-retinal and choroidal circulation systems.

06-27-2013

20130165773

Access Port Identification Systems and Methods - An access port for subcutaneous implantation is disclosed. Such an access port may comprise a body for capturing a septum for repeatedly inserting a needle therethrough into a cavity defined within the body. Further, the access port may include at least one feature structured and configured for identification of the access port subsequent to subcutaneous implantation. Methods of identifying a subcutaneously implanted access port are also disclosed. For example, a subcutaneously implanted access port may be provided and at least one feature of the subcutaneously implanted access port may be perceived. Further, the subcutaneously implanted access port may be identified in response to perceiving the at least one feature.

Intra-Operative Fiducial System and Method for Neuronavigation - An imageable fiducial marker includes a base formed from a material transparent to radiation from an imaging source and a pair of fiducial elements fixed to the base at a preselected separation. A bracket temporarily secures the marker to a skull of a human for intra-operative scanning in neurosurgery procedures, wherein only three fiducial pairs provide for reliable surgical navigation.

Coaxial Catheter Systems for Transference of Medium - A method, technique and system is disclosed for the delivery of therapeutic agents and/or into the bulk brain tissues and other parts, tissues and organs of the body, including vasculature. A novel form of coaxial catheter provides a means for implanting an outer tube into the brain, then inserting an inner tube into the outer tube and aligning them such that port holes on both of the tubes will overlap and permit a flux of the therapeutic agent to flow into the brain in such a way as to minimize the effects of trapped air, virtually eliminate backflow of the agent, and avoid the potential for additional damage to the brain since only one surgical placement of the outer tube is needed. Similarly, the method, technique system may be utilized to remove fluids or other medium from the brain, tissues, and organs to minimize the effects of escaped air or negative pressure.

04-11-2013

20150018677

ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD - An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes a transmitter/receiver, a signal processor, and an image generator. The transmitter/receiver transmits, at least once in each scanning line, a first ultrasound pulse and a second ultrasound pulse whose amplitude corresponds to amplitude of the first ultrasound pulse modulated at a given ratio and acquires a received-signal group consisting of multiple received signals. The signal processor acquires, on the basis of a coefficient that reduces the energy of a first composite signal that is obtained by combining, in accordance with the given ratio, multiple received signals contained in the first received signal group acquired by the transmitter/receiver, a second composite signal by combining multiple received signals contained in a second received signal group that is acquired by the transmitter/receiver and that is different from the first received signal group. The image generator generates an ultrasound image based on the second composite signal.

01-15-2015

20150080721

DETECTION OF TUMOR MICROENVIRONMENT WITH CHLOROTOXIN CONJUGATES - The present disclosure provides methods for detecting a tumor microenvironment, a peritumoral tissue, or a portion thereof using a chlorotoxin conjugate. Also provided are chlorotoxin peptides and variants thereof conjugated to a detectable label for use in detecting a tumor microenvironment, a peritumoral tissue, or a portion thereof.

03-19-2015

20150087972

DYNAMIC OVERLAY OF ANATOMY FROM ANGIOGRAPHY TO FLUOROSCOPY - An overlay of anatomy is created for a fluoroscopy image. Anatomy detected in angiographic images is used to locate anatomy in the fluoroscopy image. For each cardiac phase, the anatomy is detected multiple times from different cardiac cycles using angiographic images. The fluoroscopic overlay for each cardiac phase is formed from a combination of angiographic candidates fit from the different cardiac cycles to the fluoroscopic image. To further enhance the combination, prediction of the anatomy position from one phase to the next phase is used.

PROBING SYSTEM FOR MEASURING THE DIRECTION AND SPEED OF MUCUS FLOW IN VIVO - The present invention relates to a system and method for measuring the direction and speed of movement of mucus flowing along a ciliary tissue surface, wherein said system comprises: a) a probing unit comprising: dispensing means for controlled seeding of labeled particles into said flowing mucus; probe illumination means for illuminating the mucus flowing over said ciliary tissue surface; optical sensing means for detecting the movement of said labeled particles; optical coupling means for optically coupling said illuminated mucus to said optical sensing means; and b) a control unit comprising at least one illumination source, and means for processing optical or electrical signals received from said optical sensing means and determining the direction and speed of said mucus according to said received signals; c) means for transferring optical or electrical or control signals between said probing unit and said control unit.

01-17-2013

20090149743

Medical Fluid Injection System - One embodiment provides a method of using contextual lighting to assist a user of a medical fluid injection system. In this embodiment, the method includes providing a lighted display in proximity to a component of the injection system during setup of the medical fluid injection system. If the user has properly performed a setup function that is associated with the component of the injection system, the method further comprises providing a first visual indication on the lighted display. If the user has not properly performed the setup function that is associated with the component of the injection system, the method further comprises providing a second visual indication on the lighted display.

SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING REAL-TIME ANATOMICAL GUIDANCE IN A DIAGNOSTIC OR THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURE - According to one aspect, a system for intraoperatively providing anatomical guidance in a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes: a first light source configured to emit a beam of visible light; second light source configured to emit a beam of near-infrared light; a handheld probe optically coupled to the second light source; a second imaging device configured to detect visible light; a third imaging device configured to detect near-infrared light having a first predetermined wavelength; a fourth imaging device configured to detect near-infrared light having a second predetermined wavelength; a display for displaying at least one visual representation of data; and, a controller programmed to generate at least one real-time integrated visual representation of an area of interest and to display the real-time visual representation on the display for guidance during the diagnostic or therapeutic procedure.

03-20-2014

20110144485

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MARKING BODY CAVITIES - A surgical method, including inserting an internal viewing device via a ureter into a first calyx of a kidney, inspecting the first calyx with the internal viewing device, and determining whether the first calyx contains one or more stones. If the first calyx does contain one or more stones, it is marked with a first marking material, but if the first calyx does not contain one or more stones, it is marked with a second marking material different from the first marking material.

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR QUANTITATIVE VECTORIAL PERFUSION BASED UPON BLOOD FLOW DIRECTION USING 4D MEDICAL IMAGING - A tissue response in a predetermined unit of volume or area tissue of interest is determined by excluding some data of the adjacent tissues based upon a blood flow direction with respect to the tissue of interest. The exclusion is based upon a predetermined time-related parameter such as time-to-peak and mean-transit time in the fitted curves of the uptake of a contrast agent in the adjacent tissues and the tissue of interest. Furthermore, the blood flow direction is determined in terms of a 3D vector based upon a plurality of weighted individual vectors from the adjacent or neighboring voxels with respect to the voxel of interest.

INTERVENTIONAL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A delivery system for local drug delivery to a target site of internal body tissue is provided. The delivery system comprises a source electrode adapted to be positioned proximate to a target site of internal body tissue. A counter electrode is in electrical communication with the source electrode, and is configured to cooperate with the source electrode to form a localized electric field proximate to the target site. A reservoir is configured to be disposed such that the reservoir is capable of interacting with the localized electric field. The reservoir is configured to carry a cargo capable of being delivered to the target site when exposed to the localized electric field. Associated methods are also provided.

12-15-2011

20110306877

LOCATING AND ANALYZING PERFORATOR FLAPS FOR PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY - A method and an apparatus for preoperative identification of a perforator vessel for plastic and/or reconstructive surgery using ICG fluorescence angiography imaging are disclosed. Time-resolved image processing is used to highlight perforator locations and to enable visual discrimination among candidate perforators by various computed metrics. Based on these metrics, the surgeon is able to interactively locate and select perforator vessels suitable for plastic and reconstructive surgery.

12-15-2011

20090030309

Deployment of polysaccharide markers - The marker member delivery system described has a plurality of marker members disposed within a delivery tube or cannula which contain a suitable polysaccharide such as starch (e.g. corn starch or potato starch) and a binder such as methylcellulose. These marker members are preferably press-formed from powders. The system has preferably has at least one other marker member formed of bioabsorbable material with a radiopaque element attached to or incorporated therein. The marker with a radiopaque marker element is preferably disposed within the delivery tube between two marker members formed of polysaccharide and is preferably formed of a bioabsorbable material other than a polysaccharide.

01-29-2009

20150025373

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR COMBINED PHOTOACOUSTIC AND ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSIS - A microbubble used as a contrast agent for ultrasound imaging burst due to high intensity of ultrasound, and the burst microbubble effectively acts as a contrast agent for photoacoustic imaging. Based on this point, a new apparatus and method for combined photoacoustic and ultrasound diagnosis are provided.

01-22-2015

20110218431

SUPERIOR ANALYZER FOR RAMAN SPECTRA WITH HIGH ACCEPTANCE CONE, RESOLUTION, TRANSMISSION, AND QUANTUM EFFICIENCY, AND STRONG BACKGROUND REDUCTION - A Raman analyzer for analyzing light emitted from a Raman cell is provided that has a beam splitter configured to split the light emitted from the Raman cell into a first beam and a second beam. An atomic vapor filter can be used to filter a Raman scattered line from the first beam and a chopper system can periodically interrupt the first and second beams that are directed towards a photo detector, which can convert light from the first and second beams into an electrical signal. The signal output from the photo detector can optionally be amplified, digitized, Fourier filtered, and/or subjected to Fourier analysis.

09-08-2011

20090221914

Medical Fluid Injection System - One implementation provides a method to provide injection procedure information in an injection system. In this implementation, the method includes displaying a plurality of different injection procedure options in a user interface of said system, wherein said plurality of different injection procedure options including a cardiac procedure option and a non-cardiac procedure option. The method further includes receiving a user selection of an injection procedure from said displayed plurality of different injection procedure options, processing a default set of injection parameters based upon said selected injection procedure, and displaying said default set of injection parameters within the user interface of the system prior to an injection.

09-03-2009

20150025372

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING HEPATIC FUNCTION FROM LIVER SCANS - Systems and methods described herein determine an objective metric for analyzing health of a patient's liver. In some embodiments, the system may include a scanner that can detect radiation counts responsive to administration of radioactive compound to a patient. Further, the system may include an image detection module that can access image data responsive to the detected radiation counts by the scanner. The image detection module can programmatically identify a first region of interest corresponding to a liver of the patient from the image data. A parameter calculator module can programmatically determine a first attribute associated with the first region of interest and calculate a first parameter indicating health of the liver of the patient based at least in part on the first attribute associated with the first region of interest.

01-22-2015

20110160579

MICROWAVE INVESTIGATION WITH A CONTRAST MEDIUM - A device for the investigation of an object uses a microwave transmitter, a microwave receiver, a control device and a contrast medium. The microwave transmitter and the microwave receiver are controlled by the control device. In one embodiment, the following steps maybe implemented:

06-30-2011

20140073918

Method Of Sizing Internal Body Structure, And Mechanism And System For Same - Sizing an internal body structure in a patient includes guiding a sizing mechanism via a wire guide to a target location within the internal body structure, inflating a balloon of the sizing mechanism at the target location, and injecting a contrast fluid into the internal body structure. The inflated balloon blocks a flow of the injected contrast fluid to indicate that a size of the inflated balloon is accordant with a size of the body structure. Related apparatus is also disclosed.

SEMICONDUCTING POLYMER NANOPARTICLES AS PHOTOACOUSTIC MOLECULAR IMAGING PROBES - Provided are nanoparticles comprising an organic photovoltaic semiconductor polymer and a phospholipid, the semiconductor polymer being near-infra red absorbing and generating a detectable photoacoustic signal and a fluorescent emission when irradiated by an incident activation energy. Also provided are methods of molecular imaging, comprising delivering to a subject a plurality of said nanoparticles, irradiating the subject with a first incident energy to generate a first photoacoustic signal, irradiating the subject with a second incident energy to generate a second photoacoustic signal, determining a ratio of the intensities of the two photoacoustic signals, comparing this first ratio with a second ratio determined from the nanoparticles before delivery to the subject, whereby a difference in said first and second ratios indicates ROS degradation of the nanoparticles in the subject; and generating a ratiometric image indicating the difference in said first and second ratios relative to an image of the subject.

01-29-2015

20080319315

Method of reducing interferences in positron emission tomography - Methods and compositions are disclosed that lower the uptake of the radiopharmaceutical FDG, a glucose analog, by brown adipose tissue and the myocardium in FDG-PET/CT scans. The composition is substantially carbohydrate free and includes high levels of lipids. The method uses the composition and doses at particular times before the scan. The method has an advantage over fasting methods since it reduces the uptake by brown adipose tissue and/or myocardium that can be mistaken for cancer on FDG-PET or PET//CT scans or obscures sites of cancer adjacent to the heart. In addition, this permits the identification, monitoring and treatment of coronary artery disease on PET or PET/CT scans.

12-25-2008

20120010502

SYNCHRONIC MONITOR SYSTEM FOR DRUG DELIVERY INDUCED BY ULTRASOUND AND THE METHOD THEREOF - The present invention provides a synchronic monitor system using real-time ultrasound image to monitor the permeable concentration of the targeted tissue for drug delivery induced by ultrasound. The drug delivery is performed by using a first ultrasound apparatus to emit a first ultrasound to a blood vessel of the targeted tissue to allow a drug passing through the blood vessel into a lesion zone. The synchronic monitor system comprises a second ultrasound apparatus and software. The second ultrasound apparatus has a transducer, and the transducer is used to emit a second ultrasound to the blood vessel to determine several information of the blood flow. The software is installed in the second ultrasound apparatus to collect the information of the blood flow, and calculate an extravasation of the drug in the lesion zone according to the information of the blood flow via a first equation. The present invention discloses a method using the same.

01-12-2012

20150031997

TECHNIQUE FOR THE DELIVERY OF ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY TO NANOPARTICLES EMPLOYED IN MEDIAL TREATMENT - The present invention relates to technology for delivering electromagnetic (EM) energy to nanoparticles (nanos) utilized in the treatment of either existing or potential medical conditions. Nanotechnology is increasingly being used to deliver various types of treatments and remedies for existing medical conditions. Potentially, nanotechnology may be used in an inoculation mode to protect a patient from incurring future medical conditions. Such treatments, either real-time or proactive, may require a method of energizing nanoparticles or nanodevices (collectively referred to as nanos) energized in a noninvasive manner. Similarly nanodoctors or nanosurgeons operating in situ (within the human body) may require a method of being energized.

APPARATUS FOR THE PERCUTANEOUS MARKING OF A LESION - A biopsy marking apparatus for placing a radiopaque marker at the location of a percutaneous biopsy. The biopsy marking apparatus comprises an introducer in combination with a radiopaque marker. The introducer ejects the radiopaque marker at the location of the biopsy. The introducer is configured to completely eject the radiopaque marker and prevent it from being subsequently drawn into the introducer as the introducer is removed from the biopsied tissue mass. The radiopaque marker has enhanced radiopaque characteristics and enhanced non-migration characteristics.

Motion Artifact Suppression for Three-Dimensional Parametric Ultrasound Imaging - Motion artifacts are suppressed for three-dimensional parametric ultrasound imaging. Motion tracking is performed so that the parameter values derived over time are based on return from the same locations. Distortion due to the scan pattern is accounted for in the results of the motion tracking, such as by re-sampling the results to deal with discontinuity in time between data from adjacent sub-volumes and/or by aligning the scan pattern based on a direction of motion.

01-29-2015

20130237816

DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR OCCLUDING A DEFECT - A method of occluding a defect in a patient is provided. The method includes inserting a placement member, such as a wire guide, into a defect; advancing the placement member to a desired location; inserting the placement member into a lumen in an occluding member, such as a plug or a graft; and advancing the occluding member to the desired location by inserting the placement member into a lumen in a pusher member and pushing the occluding member with the pusher member until the occluding member reaches the desired location. Medical devices and systems for occluding defects are also provided.

09-12-2013

20120029348

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MULTIMODAL IMAGING OF BIOLOGICAL TISSUE - The present invention is directed to a novel multi-wavelength imaging method and apparatus that enables rapid imaging of tissue regions with accurate identification of tissue types within the region. Optical properties, such as co-polarized or cross-polarized fluorescence or reflectance intensity, optical density and/or reflectance, can be determined at a plurality of locations within the tissue region for each wavelength. Said properties at the two wavelengths, including calculated derivatives of the optical property with respect to wavelength, can be analyzed to image tissue structures and identify tissue types within the tissue region more accurately than can be achieved based on properties measured at a single wavelength.

02-02-2012

20120029347

Method and Device for Treatment Dysphagia - Described is a method and products for testing patients having difficulty swallowing specialized capsules. Capsules of various sizes are manufactured. One group of capsules, gels or tablets is manufactured containing s non-active composition and the second group of capsules, gels or tablets are manufactured using an X-Ray imaging agent. The method comprises testing the patient swallowing difficulty utilizing each group of products.

02-02-2012

20100286510

USE OF FLUORESCENT PHOSPHOLIPID ETHER COMPOUNDS IN BIOPSIES - The invention generally relates to the use of novel fluorescent phospholipid compounds and compositions comprising these compounds in biopsy applications. A preferred compound of the present invention has the following structural formula:

11-11-2010

20100081926

Histological facilitation systems and methods - Systems, methods, and other modalities are described for generating or otherwise handling images or other data indicating (a) an extraction of chemically treated tissue frozen in vivo, (b) a treatment of a tissue sample in a chamber extended into tissue of an organism, and/or (c) cells to which an optical enhancement material was applied in vivo. Several contexts in which such indications facilitate histological evaluation are likewise described.

04-01-2010

20100081925

Histological facilitation systems and methods - Systems, methods, and other modalities are described for generating or otherwise handling images or other data indicating (a) an extraction of chemically treated tissue frozen in vivo, (b) a treatment of a tissue sample in a chamber extended into tissue of an organism, and/or (c) cells to which an optical enhancement material was applied in vivo. Several contexts in which such indications facilitate histological evaluation are likewise described.

04-01-2010

20140018673

IONIZING RADIATION DETECTOR FOR USE WITH ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASOUND - Embodiments provided herein relate to ionizing radiation detectors for use with endoscopic ultrasounds. In some embodiments, an apparatus is provided and includes an ultrasound transducer and an ionizing radiation detector, such as a scintillating detector. The ionizing radiation detector can comprise a scintillating material and a photodetector.

01-16-2014

20140018674

Translaminar Approach To Minimally Invasive Ligament Decompression Procedure - Provided herein is a method for treating spinal stenosis comprising percutaneously accessing the epidural space from a first side of the spine. The first side of the spine is located on one side of the medial plane with respect to the spinal cord. A tissue removal tool is then advanced through the first side of the epidural space into the other side of the epidural space, where the other side of the epidural space is located on the other side of the medial plane of the spinal cord. Once the tissue removal tool is located on the second side of the medial plane, stenosis can be reduced using the tissue removal tool.

01-16-2014

20130197360

ESTIMATION OF DISTANCES AND SIZE OF LESIONS IN THE COLON WITH AN IMAGING CAPSULE - A method of estimating distances in a colon of a subject, including: orally administering to a subject a contrast agent, orally administering an imaging capsule to the subject, emitting radiation from the imaging capsule at a location in the colon, detecting photons that are returned from an interaction of the radiation with an inner wall of the colon and contents of the colon, summating the detected photons with energies corresponding to X-ray florescence interactions to form a first count, summating the detected photons with energies corresponding to Compton back-scattering interactions to form a second count, determining the distance from the imaging capsule to the inner wall of the colon and a concentration of the contrast agent at the location of the imaging capsule in the colon using the values of the first count and the second count.

08-01-2013

20130197358

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SURGICAL MARKING - Device, method and kit are described herein for marking tissue involved in surgery and evaluated using fluorescing imaging systems are described. Generally the device, method, and kit comprises the components to visibly mark an area of interest such that the same area fluoresces and can be viewed simultaneously through a fluorescent imaging system.

08-01-2013

20110263974

METHOD FOR PRESSURE MEDIATED SELECTIVE DELIVERY OF THERAPEUTIC SUBSTANCES AND CANNULA - Methods and devices are disclosed for selective delivery of therapeutic substances to specific histologic or microanatomic areas of organs. Introduction of the therapeutic substance into a hollow organ space (such as an hepatobiliary duct or the gallbladder lumen) at a controlled pressure, volume or rate allows the substance to reach a predetermined cellular layer (such as the ephithelium or sub-epithelial space). The volume or flow rate of the substance can be controlled so that the intralumenal pressure reaches a predetermined threshold level beyond which subsequent subepithelial delivery of the substance occurs. Alternatively, a lower pressure is selected that does not exceed the threshold level, so that delivery occurs substantially only to the epithelial layer. Such site specific delivery of therapeutic agents permits localized delivery of substances (for example to the interstitial tissue of an organ) in concentrations that may otherwise produce systemic toxicity. Occlusion of venous or lymphatic drainage from the organ can also help prevent systemic administration of therapeutic substances, and increase selective delivery to superficial epithelial cellular layers. Delivery of genetic vectors can also be better targeted to cells where gene expression is desired. The access device comprises a cannula with a wall piercing tracar within the lumen. Two axially spaced inflatable balloons engage the wall securing the cannula and sealing the puncture site. A catheter equipped with an occlusion balloon is guided through the cannula to the location where the therapeutic substance is to be delivered.

10-27-2011

20110263973

Method For Automatic Detection Of A Contrast Agent Inflow In A Blood Vessel Of A Patient With A CT System And CT System For Carrying Out This Method - A method for automatic detection of a contrast agent inflow in a blood vessel of a patient with a CT system, and CT system for carrying out this method, are disclosed. At least one embodiment of the invention relates to a method which determines the position of at least one blood vessel in section image representations in a CT examination without external intervention with the aid of an active shape or active appearance model, measures the inflow of contrast agent in this region in a targeted way and automatically initiates at least one action in the event of inflowing contrast agent.

10-27-2011

20150094575

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR TRACKING CONTRAST MEDIUM - A method and a device for tracking a contrast medium by scanning are provided. The method includes: obtaining a relationship between a contrast medium concentration and time according to concentration values of the contrast medium obtained by previous scannings; predicting a time interval from a current time point to a time point when a target concentration value reaches according to the relationship between the contrast medium concentration and time; and starting a routine examination at the end of the time interval. In the present disclosure, a routine examination may be performed in time.

04-02-2015

20110288409

Imaging of Biological Structures - Images of blood vessels of a body are obtained by injecting a refraction enhancement contrast agent into the blood vessels to increase a difference in refractive indices of the blood vessels and surrounding material. The blood vessels are irradiated with a penetrating radiation, and an image of the blood vessels is generated based on detected radiation. The image has visible edge enhancement features indicating boundaries of the blood vessels.

11-24-2011

20150141818

VASCULAR IMAGING METHOD AND DEVICE - A vascular imaging method and device are provided according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. The method includes: scanning a region where a vessel is located to obtain a noncontrast enhanced scan image and a contrast enhanced image, and performing subtraction on the contrast enhanced image by using a bone region in the noncontrast enhanced scan image to obtain a subtraction image; then detecting a vascular region of the vessel in the contrast enhanced image; finally, combining the subtraction image with the vascular region of the vessel to obtain an angiography image of the vessel. According to the present disclosure, the vascular region in which the vessel passes through the bone is maintained in the subtraction image.

05-21-2015

20150141817

METHODS AND DEVICES FOR ULTRASOUND CONTRAST-ASSISTED THERAPY - Various methods of performing ultrasound contrast assisted therapy are provided. One such method includes delivering a plurality of microbubble-based ultrasound contrast agents to a target area and disrupting the microbubble-based ultrasound contrast agents by delivering tone bursts of ultrasound to the target area. The oscillation of the microbubble-based ultrasound contrast agents can be achieved by delivering ultrasound tone bursts of greater than 5 acoustic cycles with a pulse repetition frequency of between 0.01 and 20 Hz, with pressure greater than 0.3 MPa.

05-21-2015

20140024933

Percutaneous Tissue Excision Devices And Methods - A device for percutaneously excising tissue. In an embodiment, the device comprises an outer tubular. In addition, the device comprises an inner tubular slidingly received within the outer tubular, wherein the inner tubular has a distal end including an upper member and a lower member. Further, the device includes an open position with the distal end fully extended from the outer tubular, and a closed position with the distal end disposed within the outer tubular, wherein the upper member is biased away from the lower member and is disposed at an open angle θ

01-23-2014

20140024932

Computation of Hemodynamic Quantities From Angiographic Data - Methods for computing hemodynamic quantities include: (a) acquiring angiography data from a patient; (b) calculating a flow and/or calculating a change in pressure in a blood vessel of the patient based on the angiography data; and (c) computing the hemodynamic quantity based on the flow and/or the change in pressure. Systems for computing hemodynamic quantities and computer readable storage media are described.

01-23-2014

20110125012

ACID ADDITION SALTS OF 5-AMINOLEVULINIC ACID OR ITS DERIVATIVES - The present invention provides an acid addition salt of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) or of a 5-ALA derivative (e.g. a 5-ALA ester) with an acid which has a pKa of about 5 or less, preferably about 3 or less, with the proviso that the acid is other than hydrochloric acid. Particularly preferred salts are those derived from acids selected from the group comprising sulphonic acid and its derivatives, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid and phosphoric acid. The salts in accordance with the invention are particularly suitable for use as photosensitizing agents in diagnosis and photochemotherapy of disorders or abnormalities of external or internal surfaces of the body.

05-26-2011

20120059254

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PHASE-SPACE REDUCTION FOR IMAGING OF FLUORESCING, SCATTERING AND/OR ABSORBING STRUCTURES - A method and apparatus are disclosed for utilizing light, including ultraviolet, optical and/or infrared, for detecting a body in an object, such as biomaterial or tissue, animal and/or human tissue. The body or object may be made fluorescent by the use of dyes or agent. Light is used to illuminate the body and object and the scattered light, fluorescent and/or emitted light, reflected light and transmitted light are detected and used to reconstruct the body and/or object using an iterative analysis. Further, the method and apparatus may be extended to endoscopic applications to make subcutaneous images of internal tissue above, on, in or beyond endoscopic pathways such as esophagus, stomach, colon, bronchial tubes and/or other openings, cavities and spaces animate or inanimate, and in man-made or industrial materials as carbon/resin structures.

03-08-2012

20120065501

Renal Injury Inhibiting Devices, Systems, and Methods Employing Low-Frequency Ultrasound or Other Cyclical Pressure Energies - Improved devices, systems, and methods treatment of patients can be used to help mitigate injury to the kidneys by applying cyclical mechanical pressure energy at low intensities. The energy often be selectively directed from non-invasive transducers disposed outside the patients. The energy will typically comprise low frequency ultrasound energy, shock wave energy, or the like, and may induce the generation and/or release of nitric oxide, thereby enhancing perfusion and ameliorating tissue damage. Superimposed micro and macro duty cycles may help avoid thermal and other injury to tissues of the patient during treatment. Bilateral treatments are facilitated by a support structure that orients at least one transducer toward each kidney.

03-15-2012

20120078093

IMAGING METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS COMPRISING FLUORESCENT DYES ASSOCIATED WITH VIRAL COMPONENTS FOR NERVE IMAGING - Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for imaging nerve cells. The composition comprises a fluorescent dye; and a viral component selected from a neurotropic, replication-defective virus, a viral protein of a neurotropic virus, and a capsid of a neurotropic virus. Although the fluorescent dye in itself cannot penetrate nerve cells, the fluorescent dye is bound to the viral component to form a dye/viral component complex that is capable of penetrating nerve cells.

03-29-2012

20120078091

MEDICAL FLUID INJECTION SYSTEM - One implementation provides a method to provide injection procedure information in an injection system. In this implementation, the method includes displaying a plurality of different injection procedure options in a user interface of said system, wherein said plurality of different injection procedure options including a cardiac procedure option and a non-cardiac procedure option. The method further includes receiving a user selection of an injection procedure from said displayed plurality of difference injection procedure options, processing a default set of injection parameters based upon said selected injection procedure, and displaying said default set of injection parameters within the user interface of the system prior to an injection.

03-29-2012

20100121185

Administering a therapeutic agent with more than one taggant - A system may include a means for administering a therapeutic agent to a subject; a means for administering a first pharmaceutically-acceptable taggant to the subject at least substantially concurrent with the therapeutic agent, the first pharmaceutically-acceptable taggant having a pharmacokinetic profile; and a means for administering a second pharmaceutically-acceptable taggant to the subject with the first pharmaceutically-acceptable taggant, the second pharmaceutically-acceptable taggant having a pharmacokinetic profile different from the pharmacokinetic profile of the first pharmaceutically-acceptable taggant.

05-13-2010

20100121184

SYSTEMS, METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PREPARATION, DELIVERY AND MONITORING OF RADIOISOTOPES IN POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY - In one aspect, systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which a dispensing station dispenses a large quantity of a radiotracer to one or more positron emission tomography imaging stations. In some aspects a quality control unit verifies the quality of the radiotracer. In some embodiments, components of the system are coupled by a local area network. In some aspects, each positron emission tomography imaging station includes an injector system, a physiological monitoring device, and a positron emission tomography scanner. All of the devices can be controlled by a computer system.

05-13-2010

20130035592

TECHNIQUE FOR THE DELIVERY OF ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY TO NANOPARTICLES EMPLOYED IN MEDICAL TREATMENT - The present invention relates to technology for delivering electromagnetic (EM) energy to nanoparticles (nanos) utilized in the treatment of either existing or potential medical conditions. Nanotechnology is increasingly being used to deliver various types of treatments and remedies for existing medical conditions. Potentially, nanotechnology may be used in an inoculation mode to protect a patient from incurring future medical conditions. Such treatments, either real-time or proactive, may require a method of energizing nanoparticles or nanodevices (collectively referred to as nanos) energized in a noninvasive manner. Similarly nanodoctors or nanosurgeons operating in situ (within the human body) may require a method of being energized.

02-07-2013

20120323119

Flow Based Pressure Isolation Mechanism for a Fluid Delivery System - The fluid delivery system includes a pressurizing device for delivering a pressurized injection fluid, a low pressure fluid delivery system, and a pressure isolation mechanism adapted for fluid communication with the pressurizing device and low pressure fluid delivery system. The pressure isolation mechanism includes a housing defining an inlet port, an isolation port, and an internal cavity. The housing defines a seal seat in the internal cavity between the inlet port and isolation port. A valve member is disposed in the internal cavity. The valve member is free floating in the internal cavity and is adapted to engage the seal seat. The valve member has an open position permitting fluid communication between the inlet port and isolation port, and is fluid flow responsive to fluid flow in the inlet port to engage the seal seat and attain a closed position preventing fluid flow between the inlet port and isolation port.

12-20-2012

20110184280

INTRACORPOREAL MARKER AND MARKER DELIVERY DEVICE - An elongated intracorporeal remotely detectable marker includes a core of bioabsorbable fibers. An outer jacket of bioabsorbable fibers is disposed around at least part of the core. In one embodiment, for example, the core has a longitudinal extent and a pair of opposed ends, and the outer jacket is disposed around the longitudinal extent of the core, with the pair of opposed ends being exposed.

07-28-2011

20120083691

Diagnostic Imaging for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Using Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) Techniques - A system for treating age-related macular degeneration includes an agent with non-centro symmetric molecules_for marking a region of diseased tissue. An optical assembly focuses the laser beam to a plurality of focal points in the region of diseased tissue, each focal point having a volumetric measurement of about 2 μm×2 μm×20 μm. Due to an increased concentration of photons in the relatively small volume of each focal point, two photons interact with a single molecule of the marking agent, within a very short interval of time (e.g. 10

04-05-2012

20130261443

IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - A histogram of pixel values in a difference image between a post-injection X-ray image and composite image is generated. A histogram of pixel values in a difference image between a pre-injection X-ray image and the composite image is generated. From the difference between the histograms, information on pixel values in a region where a radiopaque dye is imaged in the difference image between the post-injection X-ray image and composite image is collected. Pixel values in the difference image between the post-injection X-ray image and composite image are converted by using the collected information, and the converted difference image is output.

10-03-2013

20130211246

METHODS AND DEVICES FOR GASTROINTESTINAL SURGICAL PROCEDURES USING NEAR INFRARED (nIR) IMAGING TECHNIQUES - Described herein are methods and devices for performing gastrointestinal surgical procedures using near infrared (nIR) imaging techniques. Described herein are imaging systems, endoscopes, and methods making use of near infrared (nIR) imaging techniques. The imaging systems, endoscopes, and methods can be used, for example, in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for visualization of the intraduodenal portion of the bile duct, and in procedures to visualize and to direct treatment of bleeding ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, and tumors, for example, a pancreatic mass.

08-15-2013

20100094129

ESOPHAGIAL VISUALIZATION DEVICE - This invention relates to a device for continuously visualizing the esophagus during atrial finrillation ablation procedure to reduce the risk of developing atrio-esophagial fistula as the result of atrial fibrillation ablation.

FLUID CONNECTION ASSEMBLY WITH LOCKING MECHANISM - In general, this disclosure relates to techniques for implementation and use of a fluid connection assembly, having a locking mechanism, which may be connected to a medical fluid injection device. An example fluid connection assembly includes at least one fluid connector, a mating mechanism coupled to the at least one fluid connector and configured to connect the at least one fluid connector to a medical fluid injection device, and a locking mechanism coupled to the mating mechanism and movable into a locked position or an unlocked position. In this example, the fluid connection assembly becomes affirmatively coupled with the medical fluid injection device when the locking mechanism is in the locked position, and the fluid connection assembly becomes removably decoupled from the medical fluid injection device when the locking mechanism is in the unlocked position.

04-12-2012

20120089017

LIGANDS TO RADIATION-INDUCED MOLECULES - A method for identifying a molecule that binds an irradiated tumor in a subject and molecules identified thereby. In some embodiments, the method includes the steps of (a) exposing a tumor to ionizing radiation; (b) administering to a subject a library of diverse molecules; and (c) isolating from the tumor one or more molecules of the library of diverse molecules, whereby a molecule that binds an irradiated tumor is identified. Also provided are targeting ligands that bind an irradiated tumor and therapeutic and diagnostic methods that employ the disclosed targeting ligands.

04-12-2012

20100076307

FLOW BASED PRESSURE ISOLATION MECHANISM FOR A FLUID DELIVERY SYSTEM - The fluid delivery system includes a pressurizing device for delivering a pressurized injection fluid, a low pressure fluid delivery system, and a pressure isolation mechanism adapted for fluid communication with the pressurizing device and low pressure fluid delivery system. The pressure isolation mechanism includes a housing defining an inlet port, an isolation port, and an internal cavity. The housing defines a seal seat in the internal cavity between the inlet port and isolation port. A valve member is disposed in the internal cavity. The valve member is free floating in the internal cavity and is adapted to engage the seal seat. The valve member has an open position permitting fluid communication between the inlet port and isolation port, and is fluid flow responsive to fluid flow in the inlet port to engage the seal seat and attain a closed position preventing fluid flow between the inlet port and isolation port.

03-25-2010

20130261442

METHODS AND SYSTEM FOR ULTRASOUND-MEDIATED DRUG DELIVERY - The present invention provides an ultrasound-mediated drug delivery method for administering a compound to a targeted tissue, and the method at least comprises the following steps: First, an ultrasound apparatus is provided. The compound is then administered to the targeted tissue. A sonication is performed by the ultrasound apparatus to a blood vessel of the targeted tissue after the administration of the compound, and the sonication is capable of enhancing the permeability of the blood vessel to allow the administration of the compound to the targeted tissue. An ultrasound-mediated drug delivery system is also disclosed here.

10-03-2013

20130261441

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTRAST AGENT ESTIMATION IN X-RAY IMAGING - The disclosed embodiments relate to determining an amount of a contrast agent in an image. For example, a computer-implemented method of image processing includes generating, from a first polychromatic contrast-enhanced X-ray image obtained at a first energy and a second polychromatic contrast-enhanced X-ray image obtained at a second energy, a simulated first monochromatic contrast-enhanced X-ray image and a simulated second monochromatic contrast-enhanced X-ray image. The simulated first monochromatic contrast-enhanced X-ray image includes first regions of enhanced contrast and the simulated second monochromatic contrast-enhanced includes second regions of enhanced contrast. The method also includes isolating the first and second regions of enhanced contrast from other regions of the image, and determining an amount of the contrast agent within the first and second regions of enhanced contrast based at least on a derived partial signal attributable to the contrast agent.

10-03-2013

20130261445

REPRESENTATION OF BLOOD VESSELS AND TISSUE IN THE HEART - A method for representation of blood vessels and/or tissue in a heart of a human or animal body is described, with an imaging method and an assignment method, which allows the assignment to a heart phase of time-resolved images acquired with the imaging method. A mask series with a series of temporally-resolved first images of the heart is acquired, wherein the first images are assigned to a heart phase by the assignment method. A filling series with a series of temporally-resolved second images of the heart is acquired, wherein the second images are assigned to a heart phase by the assignment method. The first and second images assigned to the same heart phase are computed for creating a series of phase-selective subtraction images. The phase-selective subtraction images and/or the second images are computed, taking into account the heart movement for creating temporally and/or spatially-resolved perfusion data of the heart.

10-03-2013

20130261444

PHOTOTHERMAL NANOSTRUCTURES IN TUMOR THERAPY - Methods, structures, devices and systems are disclosed for implementing a photothermal therapy using nanostructures. In one aspect, a device to produce a photothermal effect includes a particle having a molecular layer functionalized onto the external surface of the particle and structured to attach to one or more targeting molecules capable of binding to a receptor site of a cell, in which the particle is configured to absorb light energy at a particular wavelength to produce a plasmon resonance effect that causes the particle to emit heat energy. In some implementations, the device is deployed in an organism having a tumor that includes a plurality of the cell and binds to the receptor site of the tumor by the targeting molecules, in which the light energy is emitted at a region of the organism that contains the tumor and the heat energy causes cellular death of the tumor cell.

10-03-2013

20120172720

ULTRASONIC TREATMENT DEVICE - There is provided an ultrasonic treatment device that is minimally-invasive and that achieves embolization treatment having a high blood flow blocking effect. To this end, the ultrasonic treatment device is provided with a function to transmit to a target area of a subject both a bubble generation pulse that vaporizes a contrast agent, and a bubble generation pulse that causes the diameter of the formed bubble to increase.

07-05-2012

20110208046

SYSTEM AND METHOD TO ADAPTIVELY CONTROL CONTRAST-ENHANCED DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING PROCEDURE - A system and method are provided for determining individualized scan and injection protocols for contrast-enhanced diagnostic imaging. Taking into account parameters specific to the scan subject, injection-related parameters, and scan parameters, the system and method can determine an optimal timing for a scan sequence to begin, to ensure that the scan sequence coincides with a desired contrast enhancement. Some embodiments further provide for real-time triggering of the scan commencement based on bolus tracking, and can adapt the scan and injection protocols in real-time based on monitored dynamic scan subject parameters and/or actual enhancement values determined from image data.

08-25-2011

20110208045

Marking Clip for an Area of the Inside Wall of the Stomach or Intestine - The invention relates to marking clips for an area of the inside wall of the stomach or intestine. These are characterized in particular by the fact that damaged or treated areas of the inside wall of the stomach or intestine can be easily identified and in this way can be easily found again. For this purpose, a housing accommodates at least one lighting means interconnected with a primary element via a contactlessly actuatable switch, wherein the primary element housing made of metal is at the same time an object that can easily be assigned to the marking clip. Moreover, the housing is connected to a body in the form of a clamp made of a resorbable material for securing to the inside wall of the stomach or intestine, wherein either the clamping jaws of the clamp are connected to each other via at least one spring element, which presses the clamping jaws onto each other and at the same time is a component part of the body, or at least one clamping ring is arranged on the clamping jaws of the clamp.

NEURAL SAFETY INJECTION SYSTEM AND RELATED METHODS - Various embodiments of the present invention generally relate to safety neural injection systems and related methods of use comprising a cannula, with or without a side port, and a stylet, defined by a first inside diameter, a first outside diameter, a first length, and an open distal end in fluid communication with the inside and outside of the hollow cannula wherein the medicament is administered with the stylet inserted at least partially within the cannula.

05-09-2013

20130116557

ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE AND ULTRASONIC IMAGE DISPLAY METHOD - Provided are an ultrasonic diagnostic device and an ultrasonic image display method having a function of displaying an inflow time map representing relative differences in blood flow dynamics such as inflow time of a contrast agent in difference colors, including a function of selectively extracting a focused vessel and constructing a noise-less inflow time map, and in the comparison of differences in color between the constructed inflow time map and the past inflow time map to examine a change in blood flow dynamics by therapy or the like, an interpolation function of unifying the color of regions as a base. A TIC analysis unit

05-09-2013

20130102897

MODELING OF PHARMACEUTICAL PROPAGATION - A method of delivering a contrast enhancing fluid to a patient using an injector system, including: determining at least one patient transfer function for the patient based upon data specific to the patient, the at least one patient transfer function providing a time enhancement output for a given input; determining a desired time enhancement output; using the at least one patient transfer function to determine an injection procedure input; and controlling the injector system at least in part on the basis of the determined injection procedure input.

Apparatus For Specifying The Quantity Of A Contrast Medium In The Context Of Medical Imaging - The apparatus of at least one embodiment includes an input unit, a storage unit, an output unit, and an interface to the imaging device, via which configuration parameters of the imaging device can be read out or transferred. A calculating unit either reads out the configuration parameters from the imaging device or sends the configuration parameters to the imaging device if they have been entered at the input unit by an operator, the configuration parameters being required for the purpose of specifying the quantity of a contrast medium. The calculating unit is so designed as to calculate, on the basis of the parameters that have been entered and/or read out and calculation formulas which are stored in the storage unit, the quantity of a contrast medium that is required for these parameters, and to display the quantity via the output unit.

04-26-2012

20130237815

METHOD FOR DETERMINING A FOUR-DIMENSIONAL ANGIOGRAPHY DATASET DESCRIBING THE FLOW OF CONTRAST AGENT - A method for determining a four-dimensional angiography dataset describing the flow of contrast agent over time through a blood vessel system of the body of a patient is provided. Four-dimensional flow information is obtained from two-dimensional images captured in a capture time period in different projection directions using a biplanar x-ray device in an inflow phase and/or an outflow phase of the contrast agent by back projection of the images. A three-dimensional reconstruction dataset is determined from the projection of the images depending on the flow information during a filling phase in which the contrast agent is present evenly distributed in the blood vessel system. The three-dimensional reconstruction dataset is animated in order to determine the angiography dataset. The capture time periods for the inflow phase and/or the outflow phase are determined from images captured of a test bolus.

09-12-2013

20130150713

MEDICAL INSTRUMENT - A medical instrument is provided with: an illumination section radiating excitation light for exciting a fluorescent substance given to a subject, to the subject; an image pickup section photoelectrically converting reflected light from the subject to which the excitation light is radiated, to pick up an image of the subject; a reading section holding pixel signals obtained by the photoelectrical conversion and capable of reading the pixel signals non-destructively while changing amplification factors of the held pixel signals by a predetermined unit of pixels; and an image processing section determining an arithmetic mean of the pixel signals read with different amplification factors by the reading section to generate an image. The medical instrument improves visibility of each fluorescent area without occurrence of position displacement even in the case where multiple fluorescent areas with a relatively large brightness/darkness difference exist within one screen.

06-13-2013

20130281846

ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS, IMAGE DISPLAY METHOD, AND IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS - According to one embodiment, a scanning unit scans the inside of an object administered with a contrast agent with ultrasonic waves. A signal generation unit outputs a packet signal based on the reception signal output from the scanning unit. A first wall filter has a passband corresponding to a blood flow component. A second wall filter has a passband corresponding to a tissue perfusion component and blood flow component. A maximum value holding computation processing unit applies maximum value holding computation processing to a first image corresponding to an output from the first wall filter. A display unit displays the first image having undergone maximum value holding computation processing and a second image corresponding to an output from the second wall filter.

DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TRANSNASAL IRRIGATION OR SUCTIONING OF THE SINUSES - An irrigation catheter for the treatment of the sinus anatomy is described. The catheter comprises a proximal portion, a rigid middle portion, and a flexible distal portion. The flexible distal portion comprises an irrigation tip and the proximal portion has a stiffness that is intermediate the stiffness of the rigid middle portion and the flexible distal portion. The irrigation tip has a tip opening and one or more radially facing openings. A method for irrigating or suctioning the sinus anatomy includes inserting an irrigation catheter into a patient's anatomy and irrigating or suctioning a target space.

07-18-2013

20130317360

TARGETED DELIVERY OF ACTIVE AGENTS USING THERMALLY STIMULATED LARGE INCREASE OF PERFUSION BY HIGH INTENSITY FOCUSED ULTRASOUND - In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to a method of delivery of an active agent to a target tissue, in a subject in need thereof comprising positioning a high intensity focused ultrasound transducer to enable delivery of ultrasound energy to the target tissue. Such a method comprises energizing the high intensity focused ultrasound transducer; imaging at least a portion of the target tissue; and discontinuing delivery of ultrasound energy. Further, such a method may comprise administering the active agent to the subject under the conditions of thermal stimulation. In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of treating a tumor in a subject in need thereof comprising administering a therapeutic agent to the subject and providing thermal stimulation to the tumor. In some embodiments, there is provided a method for increasing the efficacy of a therapeutic agent in a target tissue.

11-28-2013

20140094698

CAVITY FILLING BIOPSY SITE MARKERS - The invention provides materials, devices and methods for marking biopsy sites for a limited time. The biopsy-marking materials are ultrasound-detectable bio-resorbable powders, with powder particles typically between about 20 microns and about 800 microns in maximum dimension, more preferably between about 300 microns and about 500 microns. The powders may be formed of polymeric materials containing cavities sized between about 10 microns and about 500 microns, and may also contain binding agents, anesthetic agents, hemostatic agents, and radiopaque markers. Devices for delivering the powders include tubes configured to contain the powders and to fit within a biopsy cannula, the powders being ejected by action of a syringe. Systems may include a tube containing powder, and a syringe containing sterile saline. The tube may be configured to fit within a biopsy cannula such as a Mammotome® or SenoCor 360™ cannula.

04-03-2014

20130190616

MULTIPLE IMAGING MODE TISSUE MARKER - An intracorporeal marker for marking a site within living tissue of a host having a body of porous hydroxyapatite whose physical properties permit the body to be distinguished from human soft tissue under visualization using ultrasonic and radiation imaging modalities.

07-25-2013

20130190615

System for 3D Visualization of Radio-Opaque Embolic Materials Using X-ray Imaging - An image data processor automatically identifies individual picture elements representing embolic material in first and second 2D X-ray images in response to a luminance intensity value of the picture elements exceeding a threshold. The image data processor also automatically identifies individual volume elements in a 3D X-ray image dataset corresponding to the identified individual picture elements by, for an individual picture element, detecting intersection of a projected line with one or more volume elements in the 3D image dataset representing vessels. The projected line substantially passes from the individual picture element to an X-ray radiation source. The display processor initiates generation of data representing a display image showing the identified individual volume elements representing embolic material, with enhanced visualization.

07-25-2013

20130190614

ANESTHESIA IN BONE JOINTS - A medical needle, kit, and pharmacological composition of matter comprising a local anesthetic pertaining to inserting a needle percutaneously in a patient is disclosed. A method is disclosed with the needle having a leading apex that is dulled to restrict penetration through articular cartilage, advancing the needle leading apex into a bone joint and stopping said needle leading apex short of substantially penetrating bone joint articular cartilage, and injecting through the needle lumen a pharmacological composition of matter comprising a local anesthetic and out of said opening and into the bone joint to contribute to the anesthetizing of nerves near said bone joint.

07-25-2013

20130253314

DEVICES AND SYSTEMS FOR DETERMINATION OF PARAMETERS FOR A PROCEDURE, FOR ESTIMATION OF CARDIOPULMONARY FUNCTION AND FOR FLUID DELIVERY - A method of determining at least one parameter for an imaging procedure including the injection of a contrast enhancement fluid which includes a contrast enhancing agent, includes: substituting into a model discrete point data determined from at least one contrast time enhancement curve measured using an imaging system for a first region of interest resulting from injection of a bolus of the contrast enhancement fluid. In several embodiments, a sufficient number of data points can be substituted into the model to determine values for physiological variables in the model. The variables can, for example, be related to cardiopulmonary function. At least one data point from at least a second contrast time enhancement curve for a second region of interest measured using the imaging system can also substituted into the model.

SYRINGE MOUNT FOR A MEDICAL FLUID INJECTOR - In certain embodiments, a syringe mount of the invention may include a plate, an actuator, and one or more movable members located between the plate and the actuator. Each of the plate and the actuator may have an orifice defined therein, and an imaginary reference axis of the syringe mount may extend through one or both of these orifices. The actuator may be movable relative to the plate in a direction substantially perpendicular to the reference axis. Further, the moveable member(s) may be designed to move (e.g., pivot) toward the reference axis due to movement of the actuator from a first position to a second position and to move (e.g., pivot) away from the reference axis due to movement of the actuator from the second position to the first position.

09-19-2013

20140213898

METHOD FOR DETECTING FLUID INJECTION IN A PATIENT - A method for detecting fluid injection in a patient, the method including the steps of providing a fluid storage tank; providing fluid for use in machinery and adding said fluid to the fluid storage tank; and providing a fluorescent dye and adding the fluorescent dye to the fluid such that the fluid fluoresces in the presence of ultraviolet light.

07-31-2014

20130204127

QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF NEOVASCULARIZATION - Systems and methods using contrast enhanced ultrasound imaging for quantitative assessment of neovascularization, such as within a tumor or a plaque. The contrast agent moves in small blotches rather than in continuous flow, but image processing methods enable the detection and quantification of the blood flow, even in the tiny blood vessels of the vasculature tree. The image processing includes compensation for motion of the tissue arising from body movement. The position and extent of the discrete positions of contrast material may be accumulating during a complete heart cycle onto a single 2D image, to enable an indication of a vascular tree based on this local accumulated image. Dynamic processing (DP) of the discrete positions of contrast material enables a complete vascular tree to be obtained. The neovascularization is quantified by the ratio of its total area to that of the plaque in which the neovascularization has grown.

08-08-2013

20130204128

TARGET IDENTIFICATION TOOL FOR INTRA-BODY LOCALIZATION - A marker device that aids in the subsequent identification of a particular area is equipped with an anchoring device that prevents migration once placed in the tissue of that particular area. The device may include a chemical agent or drug that adds a therapeutic function to the marker device.

08-08-2013

20140046181

ACOUSTICALLY RESPONSIVE PARTICLES WITH DECREASED CAVITATION THRESHOLD - Techniques, systems, devices and materials are disclosed for implementing and fabricating drug delivery and imaging vehicles, which are activated in the body at a tissue of interest by focused ultrasound. In one aspect, a drug delivery vehicle can include a carrier having an outer membrane that envelopes an acoustic sensitizer particle and a payload substance to be delivered to the target tissue. The outer membrane can protect the acoustic sensitizer particle and the payload substance from degradation and opsonization. The outer membrane can be functionalized with a tumor targeting ligand to cause the drug delivery vehicle to selectively accumulate in a tumor region over other tissues, as well as with an agent to increase circulation time by reducing uptake from undesired body tissues, organs, and systems.

02-13-2014

20130060136

DEVICES AND METHODS FOR AGENT-ASSISTED MEDICAL PROCEDURES - Various embodiments of bulking or cushioning agents or material and related medical devices and methods are disclosed. For example, a method of performing a medical procedure in a tract of a body may include injecting a material in a liquid phase proximate a target site between a first tissue layer and a second tissue layer, allowing the material to transition from the liquid phase to the gel phase in response to a raise in temperature of the material to approximately at or above the predetermined temperature, and performing a surgical procedure on the target site. The material may have the liquid phase at temperatures below a predetermined temperature and a gel phase at temperatures approximately at or above the predetermined temperature.

03-07-2013

20130267844

ROTATIONAL THROMBECTOMY WIRE - A rotatable thrombectomy wire for breaking up thrombus or other obstructive material comprising an inner core composed of a flexible material and an outer wire surrounding at least a portion of the inner core. The outer wire has a sinuous shaped portion at a distal region. The inner core limits the compressibility of the outer wire. The outer wire is operatively connectable at a proximal end to a motor for rotating the wire to macerate thrombus.

METHOD FOR OPERATING AN IMAGING DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE AND MEDICAL IMAGING SYSTEM - A method for operating an imaging diagnostic device is proposed. Raw data is generated by the diagnostic device as a function of modality parameters while utilizing a contrast medium that is used in accordance with an injection protocol. Image data is generated from the raw data by image reconstruction as a function of reconstruction parameters. A quantitative measurement is performed in an image data evaluation by an analysis application. A subsidiary application automatically proposes a set of parameter values which is suited to the analysis application and relates to the injection protocol utilizing stored comparison data.

10-10-2013

20130274600

Devices and Method for Maxillary Sinus Lavage - A lavage catheter for the treatment of a maxillary sinus is described. The catheter comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion comprises an irrigation tip. The irrigation tip has a tip opening through which fluid may be delivered by one handed operation of the catheter. A method for lavaging the maxillary sinus includes inserting the lavage catheter into a patient's anatomy and advancing the irrigation tip into the maxillary sinus using one hand.

10-17-2013

20130324843

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PERFORMING AN IMAGING SCAN OF A SUBJECT - A method for performing an imaging scan of a subject includes positioning a narrow field-of-view camera at a first imaging position to acquire a first set of imaging information of a first object of interest, positioning the narrow field-of-view camera at a second imaging position to acquire a second set of imaging information of a second object of interest, determining emission counts for the first and second sets of imaging information, and utilizing the determined emission counts to generate a value that indicates a probability of a successful medical procedure being performed on the subject.

12-05-2013

20130324844

SYSTEM FOR THE DETECTION OF GAMMA RADIATION FROM A RADIOACTIVE ANALYTE - A system for the measurement of radiation emitted from an in-vivo administered radioactive analyte. The system employs a sensor having a scintillation material to convert gamma radiation to visible light, which enables embodiments of the sensor to be ex vivo. A light detector converts the visible light to an electrical signal. This signal is amplified and is processed to measure the captured radiation. Temperature of the sensor may be recorded along with this radiation measurement for temperature compensation of ex vivo embodiments. The sensor enables collection of sufficient data to support separate application to predictive models, background comparisons, or change analysis.

12-05-2013

20140155742

MEDICAL INJECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS RELATED TO USER ACTIVATED CONTROL DEVICES - A control module for a medical injection system generates an injection control signal based on sensed internal pressure of a user activated control device, for example, in response to an applied external force that causes the sensed internal pressure to increase from a baseline pressure, and continues to sense the internal pressure of the device, following release of the applied external force, so that, if the sensed internal pressure drops below the baseline pressure, the control module may generate a notification. Thus, an operator of the system may monitor internal pressure of the control device for a drop below the baseline pressure, and then, if such a drop is detected, inspect the control device for leaks and reconnect, replace or repair the control device, or simply reconnect or replace the control device.

06-05-2014

20140155743

IMAGING USING SETS OF CARBON NANOTUBES - An imaging method uses a plurality of sets of carbon nanotubes. Within a set the carbon nanotubes carry markers for a respective receptor that is specific for the set and the carbon nanotubes have a geometry, characterized for example by a chiral number that gives rise to an electromagnetic absorption peak at a wavelength specific to the set. An image is formed by transmitting electromagnetic radiation to a body, substantially at the wavelengths of the absorption peaks of the sets, e.g. time multiplexed with each other, and detecting for example an ultrasound response to absorption of the transmitted electromagnetic radiation. Different images of the electromagnetic absorption as a function of position in the body are formed for different wavelengths.

06-05-2014

20130072791

Contrast saver for invasive angiographic procedures - Herein is described a device that makes it possible to use opened but unused contrast material safely for subsequent patients. During invasive angiographic procedures, fixed contrast bottles are used. These have fixed amounts of contrast in them, and very often when the bottles are not used completely, the excess goes to waste. The present device allows the unused portion to be used with the next patient. By using a large source of contrast, such as a bottle, with a docking unit, controlled amounts of contrast may be added to a patient line and then the extra contrast may be used for the next patient, with the use of a fresh receiver. The docking unit comprises a dosing unit and a receiver.

03-21-2013

20120179031

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PROLONGED LOCALIZATION OF DRUG DELIVERY - An effective method for prolonging localization of therapeutics within the rat gastrointestinal tract of at least about 12 hours is provided. The method includes localization of therapeutic agents that are nanoparticulated or nanoencapsulated. Attractive forces between an orally administered magnetic dose and an external magnet were monitored and internal dose motion in real time using biplanar videofluoroscopy was visualized. Tissue elasticity was quantified as a measure of tissue health by combining data streams. The methods address safety, efficacy, and monitoring capacity of magnetically localized doses and show a platform for testing the benefits of localized drug delivery.

07-12-2012

20140100456

METHODS FOR LOCALIZING IMPLANTED VASCULAR ACCESS DEVICES - Disclosed are vascular access devices, implantable dialysis grafts, and systems including them useful for improved access to implanted medical devices. Also disclosed are implantable hemodialysis vascular access graft devices that facilitate easy, accurate and reproducible cannulation or needle entry into the implanted device by magnetically-locating a portion of the graft that includes one or more paramagnetic materials operably defining the physical boundaries of the target cannulation site/entry port.

04-10-2014

20130303902

BRACHYTHERAPY DOSE VERIFICATION APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system, method and device for brachytherapy treatment verification is described herein. The verification may be in real time and may provide verification of one or more of dose, source position, dwell time and source activity. In one embodiment the invention provides a method for verifying a brachytherapy radiation treatment including processing a distribution of exposure to a brachytherapy radiation source of a two dimensional imaging array to determine a region of high exposure; obtaining one or more distribution of exposure profiles through the region of high exposure; determining a region of high value in the one or more distribution of exposure profiles; and using the determined region of high exposure and/or high value to calculate one or more brachytherapy radiation source position and/or one or more brachytherapy radiation source distance to thereby verify at least a part of the brachytherapy radiation treatment.

11-14-2013

20140051996

SUBCUTANEOUS CAVITY MARKING DEVICE AND METHOD - These are subcutaneous cavity marking devices and methods. More particularly, upon insertion into a body, the cavity marking device and method enable one to determine the center, orientation, and periphery of the cavity by radiographic, mammographic, echogenic, or other non-invasive imaging techniques. Also, the device contains a bioabsorbable or non-bioabsorbable marker. The device may be combined with various substances enhancing the radiopaque, mammographic, or echogenic characteristics of the marker or the body allowing it to be observed by any non-invasive imaging techniques. This is further a method of marking a subcutaneous cavity using a bioabsorbable material and a bioabsorbable or non-bioabsorbable marker in conjunction with the material. The method also may combine any of the features as described with the device.

02-20-2014

20140107478

Dual Modulus Balloon for Interventional Procedures - A device for interventional surgical or medical procedures is presented. The device is generally in the form of a balloon and is used to position itself or other working elements up against or through lumen walls in the body. The balloon is comprised of at least two materials of different elastic modulus, which allows for a flexible but relatively non-distensible, unfolding component of the balloon as well as an elastomeric, inflatable component of the balloon. The elastomeric component is fixedly attached to the flexible but relatively non-distensible component and together they form a pressure vessel that can be inflated within the lumens of the body.

04-17-2014

20130137976

Functional, Cross-Linked Nanostructures for Tandem Optical Imaging and Therapy - The present invention provides optical agents comprising optically functional cross linked supramolecular structures and assemblies useful for tandem optical imaging and therapy. Supramolecular structures and assemblies of the present invention include optically functional shell-cross linked micelles wherein optical functionality is achieved via incorporation of one or more linking groups that include one or more photoactive moieties. The present invention further includes imaging and therapeutic methods using one or more optical agents of the present invention including optically functional shell cross-linked micelles having an associated therapeutic agent.

IMAGING METHOD, DISPLACEMENT MEASUREMENT METHOD AND APPARATUS - A displacement measurement method for achieving, at each position of interest, high accuracy measurement of a displacement, a velocity and a strain in an actually generated beam direction by measuring the beam direction angle from ultrasound echo data. The method includes the steps of: generating an ultrasound echo data frame through scanning an object in a lateral direction with an ultrasound steered beam having one steering angle; calculating both a beam direction and a frequency in the beam direction based on an azimuth angle φ=tan

02-21-2013

20130046174

DEVICE FOR PLACING A MARKER INTO A HUMAN SUBJECT FOR THE PURPOSE OF TISSUE BIOPSY - The present invention is a marker delivery device designed to deliver an elongated magnet to mark the center of tissue that is suspected of being cancerous. This device has an elongated magnet situated within a hollow needle with the magnet's distal end placed at the distal end of the needle. The operator first places the tip of the needle at the center of the lesion. By pressing an activate button on the injector device, the needle is advanced by half the length of the magnet and then pulled back the full length of the magnet while a rod within the needle that is in contact with the proximal end of the magnet prevents the magnet from coming back when the needle goes back. Thus the magnet is deployed with its center at the center of the lesion that is suspected of being cancerous.

02-21-2013

20140107479

DETERMINING A LUMINAL-FLOW-RELATED INDEX OF A LUMEN BY PERFORMING IMAGE PROCESSING ON TWO-DIMENSIONAL IMAGES OF THE LUMEN - Apparatus and methods are described for use with a lumen including, without generating a virtual three-dimensional model of the lumen, and by performing image processing on two-dimensional angiographic images, determining blood velocity within the lumen, and determining geometry of the lumen at a given location. A value of a current flow-related parameter at the location is determined based upon the determined blood velocity and the geometry of the lumen at the location. An indication of a value of a second flow-related parameter of the subject is received, and a value of a luminal-flow-related index of the subject at the location is determined, by determining a relationship between the value of the current flow-related parameter and the value of the second flow-related parameter. Other applications are also described.

04-17-2014

20100030073

MODELING OF PHARMACEUTICAL PROPAGATION - A method of delivering a contrast enhancing fluid to a patient using an injector system, including: determining at least one patient transfer function for the patient based upon data specific to the patient and, the at least one patient transfer function providing a time enhancement output for a given input; determining a desired time enhancement output; using the at least one patient transfer function to determine an injection procedure input; and controlling the injector system at least in part on the basis of the determined injection procedure input. The injection procedure input can determined considering at least one operational limitation or constraint of the injector system. A method of modeling propagation of a pharmaceutical fluid in a patient, includes: collecting data corresponding to a time response curve resulting from injection of the fluid; and determining at least one mathematical model describing the data. The mathematical model can, for example, be a model which is not determined by a continuous or a discrete-time Fourier deconvolution of the data. A method of controlling injection of a pharmaceutical fluid into a patient using an injector in a medical procedure, includes: collecting data corresponding to a patient response curve resulting from injection of the fluid; determining at least one mathematical model describing the data; and controlling the injector during the medical procedure to control injection of the fluid into the patient to create patient response at least in part on the basis of the mathematical model. A method of controlling injection of a contrast medium into a patient using an injector in a medical imaging procedure using an imaging scanner, includes: determining at least one mathematical model to predict a time enhancement response resulting from injection of the contrast medium; determining an injection protocol to approximate a predetermined time enhancement response in the patient by determining a constrained input solution to the mathematical model; and using the injection protocol to control the injector during the medical imaging procedure to control injection of the contrast medium into the patient to create an image of a region of interest. Patient transfer functions for the patient of the present invention can also be based at least in part on a measurement of cardiac output of the patient. Likewise, mathematical models of the present invention can be based at least in part on a measurement of cardiac output of the patient.

02-04-2010

20130310686

FIBROUS MARKER AND INTRACORPOREAL DELIVERY THEREOF - An intracorporeal marker includes a fibrous unitary marker body having bioabsorbable fibers compressed into a compressed configuration, and bound in the compressed configuration by a polymer binding agent. The intracorporeal marker may be incorporated into an intracorporeal marker delivery device having a delivery cannula which has a distal tip, an inner lumen and a discharge opening in communication with the inner lumen. The compression and binding occur prior to insertion of the fibrous unitary marker body into the inner lumen of the delivery cannula. The fibrous unitary marker body is slidably disposed within and pushable through the inner lumen of the elongated delivery cannula proximal to the discharge opening.

MEMBRANE VISUALIZATION INSTRUMENT - A membrane visualization instrument may include a flow control mechanism having a flow control mechanism distal end and a flow control mechanism proximal end, a visualization fluid chamber of the flow control mechanism, a visualization fluid guide having a visualization fluid guide distal end and a visualization fluid guide proximal end, and a hypodermic tube having a hypodermic tube distal end and a hypodermic tube proximal end. The visualization fluid guide proximal end may be disposed within the flow control mechanism. The hypodermic tube proximal end may be disposed within the visualization fluid guide. A visualization fluid, e.g., indocyanine green dye, kenalog, trypan blue dye, etc., may be disposed within the visualization fluid chamber. A compression of the flow control mechanism may be configured to irrigate the visualization fluid out of the hypodermic tube proximal end.

06-12-2014

20140121511

Rapid Stress-Rest Cardiac PET Imaging Systems and Methods - Systems and methods which utilize stress first and then rest imaging techniques to provide for improved medical imaging results are provided herein. One embodiment may administer a stress regime, such as exercise stress, and administer a tracer to a patient and retrieve a stress image. Then a second tracer is administered to a patient and a resting image is retrieved. Embodiments may implement this method with PET/CT scanning techniques. Additionally, embodiments may utilize a single CT scan when obtaining both the stress and rest images.

05-01-2014

20140121512

IN VIVO VISUALIZATION OF LYMPHATIC TISSUE - Aspects of the invention include methods for visualizing lymphatic tissue in an ocular region, e.g., the cornea, of a living subject, such as a mouse or human. In certain embodiments, the methods include contacting the region with a fluorescently-labeled lymphatic tissue-specific dye, e.g., FITC or rhodamine labeled dextran, and detecting the labeled dye to visualize lymphatic tissue in the region, where the visualization may vary, from an image obtained at a single time to a video over a period of time. The invention finds use in a variety of different applications, including research and therapeutic applications.

05-01-2014

20140121513

DETERMINING A CHARACTERISTIC OF A LUMEN BY MEASURING VELOCITY OF A CONTRAST AGENT - Apparatus and methods are described for use with a plurality of angiographic image frames of a moving lumen of a subject, including aligning the image frames with each other. Using the aligned image frames, a time it takes a contrast agent to travel a known distance through the lumen is determined. At least partially in response thereto, a characteristic of the lumen is determined, and, in response to the determined characteristic, an output is generated on a display. Other applications are also described.

05-01-2014

20140171794

Method of a Liquid Surgery - A method of a liquid surgery is described. The method may include introducing a cleansing solution, a diagnostic solution or therapeutic solution into the surface of the entire upper airway with a hand-operated pump. The liquid surgery can remove viruses, bacteria, fungi, allergens, and other harmful substance from the upper airway. The liquid surgery can help diagnose or treat a disease of the upper airway.

06-19-2014

20140039309

VEIN IMAGING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Some embodiments of this disclosure relates to systems and methods for imaging a patient's vasculature. For example, near infrared (NIR) light can be used to illuminate a target area and light that is reflected or scattered from the target area can be used for generate an image of the target area. In some embodiments, the system can be configured such that the image shows the presence, absence, or extent of infiltration or extravasation in the target area. The system can be configured to document that presence, absence, or extend of infiltration or extravasation at an infusion site. In some embodiments, an imaging system can be mounted onto a patient so that the imaging system can monitor an infusion site, and the imaging system can be configured to automatically detect the presence of infiltration or extravasation.

02-06-2014

20140371583

QUANTIFICATION OF ABSOLUTE BLOOD FLOW IN TISSUE USING FLUORESCENCE MEDIATED PHOTOPLETHYSMOGRAPHY - There is provided a method and a system for quantification of absolute blood flow in tissue using near-infrared fluorescence angiography in conjunction with photoplethysmography (fluorescence-mediated photoplethysmography). The method and system of the present invention provide absolute, real-time measurements of flow in terms of volume/time/area based upon measurement of fluorescence intensity.

12-18-2014

20150105657

Method and kit for treatment of dysphagia - Described is a method and products for testing patients having difficulty swallowing specialized capsules. Capsules of various sizes are manufactured. One group of capsules, gels or tablets is manufactured containing s non-active composition and the second group of capsules, gels or tablets are manufactured using an X-Ray imaging agent. The method comprises testing the patient swallowing difficulty utilizing each group of products.

04-16-2015

20100010341

Biopsy Marker with In Situ-Generated Imaging Properties - A biopsy marker having radio-opaque properties that are derived in situ, based on a natural a biological response, such as for example, calcification, accumulation or tissue-concentration of a chemical agent so as to provide an imaging contrast. A biodegradable foam such as collagen foam or gelatin foam is embedded with a biological tissue that is susceptible to the calcification. Initially the marker can be imaged using ultrasound, but over time, the embedded material calcifies causing it to become visible under radiation imaging.

01-14-2010

20090326370

INTERFACE UNIT FOR USE WITH INJECTORS AND IMAGING SYSTEMS AND RELATED DEVICES - A system for producing a contrast-enhanced medical image of a patient includes a source of a contrast or enhancement medium, a pressurizing unit in fluid connection with the source of contrast or enhancement medium, an energy source operable to apply energy to a region of the patient, an imaging unit providing a visual display of an internal view of the patient based upon a signal resulting from the energy applied to the region of the patient, and a control unit. In an embodiment, the signal is affected by a condition of the contrast or enhancement medium in the patient. To control the procedures, the control unit adjusts the condition of the contrast or enhancement medium in the patient based upon the signal. A communication interface preferably enables information between an injector subsystem and an imaging subsystem.

12-31-2009

20120238871

Angiography system for the angiographic examination of a patient and angiographic examination method - An angiography system for angiographic examination of a patient is provided. The system has an x-ray emitter and an x-ray image detector attached to the ends of a C-arm, a patient support couch, a system control unit, an image system and a monitor. The system control unit generates a mask image that detects a reference image, effects a registration of the reference image to the C-arm, whereby if necessary a segmentation of the examination object is implemented in the reference image, contrasts image regions lying inside of the segmentation in order to generate a mask image, and subtracts the mask image from fluoroscopy live images acquired by the angiography system without contrast agent in order to form a roadmap image. The image system effects a reproduction of the roadmap images on the monitor.

09-20-2012

20080234575

Method and device for making correction information available - The invention relates to a method and a device for making correction information for correcting a guidance direction of an instrument. Based on a current position of the tip of the instrument and the current guidance direction of the instrument and the position of a target point in an object, a first straight line indicating the current guidance direction and a second straight line defined by the tip of the instrument and the target point in the object are determined. The second straight line intersects the first straight line and indicates the desired guidance direction. Based on the position of the first and second straight lines relative to one another, a digital item of correction information is specified, wherein the correction image has a correction diagram located in a plane in the perspective of the current guidance direction of the instrument.

09-25-2008

20080228070

Adaptive Contrast Agent Medical Imaging - System parameters for contrast agent medical imaging are conveniently set. A simplified contrast agent configuration is provided where an appropriate contrast agent detection technique and/or contrast agent imaging parameters are achieved consistently and more often then exists with current methods. Examination workflow is improved for contrast agent studies by offering one contrast agent imaging mode or configuration that is dynamically determined and optimized based on the user's selected transmit level and/or a real-time measurement of the contrast agent signals. A simplified user interface provides one contrast agent imaging mode without a need to switch between multiple modes or contrast agent detection techniques and associated contrast agent imaging parameters. The contrast agent detection technique and imaging parameters are adjusting or selected based on changes in the transmit levels for contrast agent imaging. Either a single user input control or real time measurements are used to select a transmit level, resulting in automatic selection of adjustment of the detection technique and/or imaging parameters. Appropriate contrast agent detection techniques and imaging parameters are selected for each given transmit level without the user having to switch the mode or configuration of the system during an imaging session. As a result, contrast agent examinations are simplified while minimizing suboptimal selection by a user.

09-18-2008

20080228069

Novel Differential Imaging Method - The present invention relates to an improved method of imaging cardiac neurotransmission in vivo in a human subject using adrenergic imaging agents. The method comprises obtaining two separate images with the same adrenergic imaging agent. One of the images is obtained in conjunction with the administration of a compound known to interfere with the uptake of the particular imaging agent in question. Comparison of the two images enables additional information to be obtained in relation to the status of cardiac neurotransmission in said subject compared with imaging with adrenergic imaging agent alone. The invention also provides a method of imaging cardiac neurotransmission in a human subject in vivo wherein a single image is obtained using an adrenergic imaging agent in conjunction with the administration of a non-pharmaceutical dose of an agent known to interfere with the uptake of the imaging agent. The invention furthermore provides a method of operating an imaging apparatus, a second medical use of an adrenergic imaging agent as well as a kit suitable for carrying out the methods of the invention.

09-18-2008

Patent applications in class Detectable material placed in body

Patent applications in all subclasses Detectable material placed in body